Year of the Bible: Part Eleven of TwelveSample

Jesus is Greater

The readers of Hebrews were facing persecution for their faith in Jesus, most significantly from the emperor Nero. Removing believers from business opportunities, seizing property, and restricting their rights as Roman citizens were becoming common during this time. Many of the Jewish believers were tempted to return to Judaism so that the pressures of being a Christian would be relieved.

The author of Hebrews systematically reveals why Jesus is greater than any spiritual being, any religious office, and any historical figure. In fact, Jesus is greater than the greatest Hebrew of all: Moses! Moses was the most important prophet to have ever lived in Jewish eyes.

Yes, this passage confirms that Moses was a model—a type—of who Jesus is. Moses was faithful to God's call on his life. Moses was instrumental in the advancement of God's mission and plan on the earth. Yet, Jesus is greater than all that Moses modeled and did; Jesus is the one Moses was pointing to with all of his actions.

As both Apostle and High Priest, Jesus has been faithful to God's call on His life. Jesus has fulfilled all of the requirements of the law while also taking on the punishment for everyone who has failed to fulfill those requirements. Because of Jesus' faithfulness over God's house, He has demonstrated His vast superiority over every other religious figure to have ever lived.

Question: Have the difficulties you have faced tempted you to look to someone or something other than Jesus to sustain you? Have you seriously considered the worth of Jesus versus every other source of help and support in your life?

Prayer: Father, thank you that Jesus is the perfect representation of You! Grant me a heart that fully embraces the truth that Jesus is greater than every human representative that has ever lived. Fill me with confidence and trust that Jesus is my all in all. Amen.