Hebrews chapter 3.....greater than Moses
It was very important for the writer to establish that Jesus was greater than Moses for he was revered in Judaism. If he would establish the greater worth of Christianity over Judaism he must persuade his readers that Jesus is greater than Moses. The chapter divides into two sections by the word “wherefore”
Verses 1-6 The faithfulness displayed by the spiritual leaders.......exposition
Verses 7-19 The faithfulness demanded from their followers.........exhortation
Verses 1 – 6 The faithfulness displayed by the spiritual leaders “Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the apostle and high priest of our profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.” The term “holy brethren” casts us back to chapter 2v11 for they had been brought into brotherly relationship with Christ and had been made fit for the presence of God. Essentially their entire past had been dealt with, they are now in right relationship to the Lord but also can look forward to a bright future for they are “partakers of the heavenly calling.” In chapter 2v14 He took part in our humiliation , in order that we might take part in His exaltation. This is a concise summary of what it means to be saved, past, present and future all made right. He draws attention now to Christ Jesus whom he calls “the apostle and high priest of our confession.” The word “consider” (katanoeo) means to look attentively at, to fix one’s eyes upon, to occupy one’s mind with. It is used 14 times in the New Testament and is variously translated as “perceive, behold, and discover.” This is the first of two occurrences in Hebrews (the other one in ch12v2). The word answers to the Old Testament “behold” and God wants His people to study His Son and take in the wonder of who He is.
As apostle of our confession He was sent out by God; as high priest of our confession He returned into the presence of God where he is operating on our behalf today. Each of these are huge subjects and in the letter to Hebrews he focuses on his present work as high priest. What is outstanding here is His faithfulness in all that He did for God “He was faithful to Him that appointed Him.” In chapter 2v17 He was declared to be “ a merciful and faithful high priest” and he now expounds these in the reverse order dealing first with his faithfulness to God from chapters 3-8 and then secondly, with His mercy to us in chapters 9-10, although there are aspects of both in each section. The lesson is obvious, Christ Jesus can only be merciful to us when He has also first been faithful to God. Faithfulness to God is the premium quality of service.
In verses 2-6 there is a comparison, then a contrast, between Moses and Christ Jesus which is very revealing, but first the comparison. Christ Jesus was faithful and Moses was faithful in all aspects of God’s house Before we can be blessed God must be satisfied in all things, and so faithfulness to God is of paramount importance as illustrated in both Moses and Christ Jesus. The greatest attribute anyone can possess is faithfulness, this is where God paces the most emphasis. Faithfulness is just obeying God in every aspect of the work, not only the aspects that suit us. Examples abound but a few will suffice:
1. Numbers 12v7 In the context of a challenge to Moses authority God said “My servant Moses is not so who is faithful in all my house.” Moses did everything that God commanded and in Exodus chapters 39&40 no less than 18 times it is recorded that Moses did everything that God commanded. (Exodus 40v16 “Thus did Moses all that the Lord commanded him so did he.”)
2. 1st Corinthians 4v2 Paul to the Corinthian church “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”
3. 2nd Timothy 2v2 Paul to Timothy “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.
There is no doubt that God sets faithfulness as the highest form of service. God is faithful to His word to us, that is we can depend on Him; can He depend on us? Moses was a great example, and Christ the supreme example.
We see now the contrast between Moses and Christ Jesus in graphic terms: Christ is counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
Moses is part of the house...........Christ built the house.
Moses as man presided over the building of one house......Christ as God built all things.
Moses was in God’s house.......Christ is over God’s house.
Moses was a servant......Christ is the Son.
Moses house was material.....Christ’s house is spiritual (whose house are we).
Moses house was a testimony of things to come.....Christ’s house is the testimony to what has already come.
The scriptures are clear about the greatness of the man Moses, and of the influence he carries right down to the present day. Since now we have a greater spiritual leader than even Moses, how much more responsible we are to follow Him. The reminder in verse 6 that we are God’s house today, built by Christ Jesus a spiritual house, in line with the “true tabernacle” (chapter 8v2), brings to us the challenge to be faithful as our great leader. The introduction of the first “if” verse in Hebrews, is not intended to cast doubt on our confession, more to remind us of the need to persevere. We are to hold fast the facts of our confession and the feelings of it ( the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end).
Verses 7-19 Faithfulness demanded from the followers
This section contrasts with the previous one, and, instead of the faithfulness of the two leaders there is highlighted the faithlessness of their followers. There is the historical departure of Israel, and the potential departure of Christian believers. He takes up the worst case in Israel’s history to warn them of the dangers. It is called “the day of provocation” and marks a low point in their history. Quoted from Psalm 95, and narrated in Numbers 14, it was so bad God wanted to disinherit them, and only the intercession of Moses turned His wrath away. Nevertheless there were temporal severe consequences which should make all of us fear. Scripture abounds with the fact that history repeats itself, and here is a classic illustration of the n/t proverb “...for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” Romans 15v4. A careful consideration of the details present much food for thought.
The authority of the Holy Spirit “wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith.......” It must be remembered that the Holy Spirit of God is the author of both old and new testaments. This is obvious from many scriptures notably 2nd Peter 1v21 and Romans 16v26 We have already noted it is God the Father speaking in Hebrews chapter 1; God the Son speaking in chapter 2; and now the Holy Spirit speaking in chapter 3. The triune God involved in the final revelation to man in words of mercy and grace but also with warning. The words of the Holy Spirit carry the full authority of the Godhead.
The need for urgency “Today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation.” The repetition of the word “today”, five times in the letter and three times alone in these verses tell us God expects an immediate response to his word. We need to develop a sense of urgency to act when God speaks and not simply to develop the excuse that “nobody’s perfect.” The angels of heaven respond immediately to the commands of God, whilst we here on earth tend to be very slow.
The need for consistency is presented. Israel started well but finished badly, this is the record of holy scripture, and is sometimes the truth with many of us. It is not how we start but how we finish that is important. This fact is borne out in verse 6 “if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end;” and also in verse 14 “if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” There are few like Caleb of whom it was said at the age of 85 years “he has wholly followed the Lord.” Nevertheless it is good to end well and this is the call from these verses for a consistent faith throughout life.
The danger of apostasy “take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” All of us at sometime in our lives will depart from the Lord in heart to one degree or another, but this verse 12 is warning against apostasy, which is an overturning of all belief in God. What the writer is speaking about here is “an evil heart of unbelief,” that is they have rejected God altogether....rejected His authority...His ways...His teachings. In the language of Romans 10 v3 “they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God”. This isn’t speaking about backsliding this is speaking about rebellion. In the day of provocation in Numbers 14 there were many backsliding in heart but there were also those among them who had turned against God. Faith in God had been rejected. The writer makes this distinction clear in verses 15-17 that not all were guilty of apostasy. In days of departure from the Lord we must take care not to blacken everyone in the same way but there Is a real danger of apostasy all around. The warning should be heeded by all Christians today, for we live in days of real apostasy, and we need to keep close to the Lord and to each other A reading of the old testament with 1st Corinthians chapter 10 and this passage taken together reveals a very solemn matter. Of all those who left Egypt with Moses (possibly more than 3 million people) only two namely Joshua & Caleb were allowed to enter the promised land. The comment in 1st Corinthians chapter 10v5 “with the greater part of them God was not well pleased.”
The pressures on these Hebrew Christians to revert to Judaism was enormous and the writer uses every means to encourage them on the way to live lives of consistent faithfulness to God on the pathway to glory.
It was very important for the writer to establish that Jesus was greater than Moses for he was revered in Judaism. If he would establish the greater worth of Christianity over Judaism he must persuade his readers that Jesus is greater than Moses. The chapter divides into two sections by the word “wherefore”
Verses 1-6 The faithfulness displayed by the spiritual leaders.......exposition
Verses 7-19 The faithfulness demanded from their followers.........exhortation
Verses 1 – 6 The faithfulness displayed by the spiritual leaders “Wherefore holy brethren partakers of the heavenly calling consider the apostle and high priest of our profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.” The term “holy brethren” casts us back to chapter 2v11 for they had been brought into brotherly relationship with Christ and had been made fit for the presence of God. Essentially their entire past had been dealt with, they are now in right relationship to the Lord but also can look forward to a bright future for they are “partakers of the heavenly calling.” In chapter 2v14 He took part in our humiliation , in order that we might take part in His exaltation. This is a concise summary of what it means to be saved, past, present and future all made right. He draws attention now to Christ Jesus whom he calls “the apostle and high priest of our confession.” The word “consider” (katanoeo) means to look attentively at, to fix one’s eyes upon, to occupy one’s mind with. It is used 14 times in the New Testament and is variously translated as “perceive, behold, and discover.” This is the first of two occurrences in Hebrews (the other one in ch12v2). The word answers to the Old Testament “behold” and God wants His people to study His Son and take in the wonder of who He is.
As apostle of our confession He was sent out by God; as high priest of our confession He returned into the presence of God where he is operating on our behalf today. Each of these are huge subjects and in the letter to Hebrews he focuses on his present work as high priest. What is outstanding here is His faithfulness in all that He did for God “He was faithful to Him that appointed Him.” In chapter 2v17 He was declared to be “ a merciful and faithful high priest” and he now expounds these in the reverse order dealing first with his faithfulness to God from chapters 3-8 and then secondly, with His mercy to us in chapters 9-10, although there are aspects of both in each section. The lesson is obvious, Christ Jesus can only be merciful to us when He has also first been faithful to God. Faithfulness to God is the premium quality of service.
In verses 2-6 there is a comparison, then a contrast, between Moses and Christ Jesus which is very revealing, but first the comparison. Christ Jesus was faithful and Moses was faithful in all aspects of God’s house Before we can be blessed God must be satisfied in all things, and so faithfulness to God is of paramount importance as illustrated in both Moses and Christ Jesus. The greatest attribute anyone can possess is faithfulness, this is where God paces the most emphasis. Faithfulness is just obeying God in every aspect of the work, not only the aspects that suit us. Examples abound but a few will suffice:
1. Numbers 12v7 In the context of a challenge to Moses authority God said “My servant Moses is not so who is faithful in all my house.” Moses did everything that God commanded and in Exodus chapters 39&40 no less than 18 times it is recorded that Moses did everything that God commanded. (Exodus 40v16 “Thus did Moses all that the Lord commanded him so did he.”)
2. 1st Corinthians 4v2 Paul to the Corinthian church “It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.”
3. 2nd Timothy 2v2 Paul to Timothy “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also.
There is no doubt that God sets faithfulness as the highest form of service. God is faithful to His word to us, that is we can depend on Him; can He depend on us? Moses was a great example, and Christ the supreme example.
We see now the contrast between Moses and Christ Jesus in graphic terms: Christ is counted worthy of more glory than Moses.
Moses is part of the house...........Christ built the house.
Moses as man presided over the building of one house......Christ as God built all things.
Moses was in God’s house.......Christ is over God’s house.
Moses was a servant......Christ is the Son.
Moses house was material.....Christ’s house is spiritual (whose house are we).
Moses house was a testimony of things to come.....Christ’s house is the testimony to what has already come.
The scriptures are clear about the greatness of the man Moses, and of the influence he carries right down to the present day. Since now we have a greater spiritual leader than even Moses, how much more responsible we are to follow Him. The reminder in verse 6 that we are God’s house today, built by Christ Jesus a spiritual house, in line with the “true tabernacle” (chapter 8v2), brings to us the challenge to be faithful as our great leader. The introduction of the first “if” verse in Hebrews, is not intended to cast doubt on our confession, more to remind us of the need to persevere. We are to hold fast the facts of our confession and the feelings of it ( the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end).
Verses 7-19 Faithfulness demanded from the followers
This section contrasts with the previous one, and, instead of the faithfulness of the two leaders there is highlighted the faithlessness of their followers. There is the historical departure of Israel, and the potential departure of Christian believers. He takes up the worst case in Israel’s history to warn them of the dangers. It is called “the day of provocation” and marks a low point in their history. Quoted from Psalm 95, and narrated in Numbers 14, it was so bad God wanted to disinherit them, and only the intercession of Moses turned His wrath away. Nevertheless there were temporal severe consequences which should make all of us fear. Scripture abounds with the fact that history repeats itself, and here is a classic illustration of the n/t proverb “...for whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” Romans 15v4. A careful consideration of the details present much food for thought.
The authority of the Holy Spirit “wherefore as the Holy Ghost saith.......” It must be remembered that the Holy Spirit of God is the author of both old and new testaments. This is obvious from many scriptures notably 2nd Peter 1v21 and Romans 16v26 We have already noted it is God the Father speaking in Hebrews chapter 1; God the Son speaking in chapter 2; and now the Holy Spirit speaking in chapter 3. The triune God involved in the final revelation to man in words of mercy and grace but also with warning. The words of the Holy Spirit carry the full authority of the Godhead.
The need for urgency “Today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts as in the provocation.” The repetition of the word “today”, five times in the letter and three times alone in these verses tell us God expects an immediate response to his word. We need to develop a sense of urgency to act when God speaks and not simply to develop the excuse that “nobody’s perfect.” The angels of heaven respond immediately to the commands of God, whilst we here on earth tend to be very slow.
The need for consistency is presented. Israel started well but finished badly, this is the record of holy scripture, and is sometimes the truth with many of us. It is not how we start but how we finish that is important. This fact is borne out in verse 6 “if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end;” and also in verse 14 “if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” There are few like Caleb of whom it was said at the age of 85 years “he has wholly followed the Lord.” Nevertheless it is good to end well and this is the call from these verses for a consistent faith throughout life.
The danger of apostasy “take heed brethren lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” All of us at sometime in our lives will depart from the Lord in heart to one degree or another, but this verse 12 is warning against apostasy, which is an overturning of all belief in God. What the writer is speaking about here is “an evil heart of unbelief,” that is they have rejected God altogether....rejected His authority...His ways...His teachings. In the language of Romans 10 v3 “they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God”. This isn’t speaking about backsliding this is speaking about rebellion. In the day of provocation in Numbers 14 there were many backsliding in heart but there were also those among them who had turned against God. Faith in God had been rejected. The writer makes this distinction clear in verses 15-17 that not all were guilty of apostasy. In days of departure from the Lord we must take care not to blacken everyone in the same way but there Is a real danger of apostasy all around. The warning should be heeded by all Christians today, for we live in days of real apostasy, and we need to keep close to the Lord and to each other A reading of the old testament with 1st Corinthians chapter 10 and this passage taken together reveals a very solemn matter. Of all those who left Egypt with Moses (possibly more than 3 million people) only two namely Joshua & Caleb were allowed to enter the promised land. The comment in 1st Corinthians chapter 10v5 “with the greater part of them God was not well pleased.”
The pressures on these Hebrew Christians to revert to Judaism was enormous and the writer uses every means to encourage them on the way to live lives of consistent faithfulness to God on the pathway to glory.
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