HEBREWS CHAPTER THREE
JESUS IS SUPERIOR TO MOSES – VERSES 1-19
BIBLE STUDY
This is not a commentary. It is what I believe God is teaching us in His Word. It is solely based on my convictions and faith. Please share with me if you have a different view on any scripture covered in this study.
Pastor Allan
Now we can see the author’s strategy.
In the Chapter One the writer carefully presented the case for the deity of Jesus Christ. Jesus was fully God.
In Chapter Two the writer presents the case for the humanity of Jesus Christ. Jesus was fully man.
In Chapter Three the writer states that Jesus is far Superior than Moses.
Hebrews 3:1-19 NLT
[1] And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are partners with those called to Heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger and High Priest. [2] For He was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when He was entrusted with God’s entire house. [3] But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. [4] For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God. [5] Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. [6] But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. [7] That is why the Holy Spirit says, “Today when you Hear His voice, [8] don’t harden your Hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. [9] There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. [10] So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their Hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’ [11] So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.'” [12] Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own Hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. [13] You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. [14] For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ. [15] Remember what it says: “Today when you Hear His voice, don’t harden your Hearts as Israel did when they rebelled.” [16] And who was it who rebelled against God, even though they Heard His voice? Wasn’t it the people Moses led out of Egypt? [17] And who made God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it the people who sinned, whose corpses lay in the wilderness? [18] And to whom was God speaking when He took an oath that they would never enter His rest? Wasn’t it the people who disobeyed him? [19] So we see that because of their unbelief they were not able to enter His rest.
Remember the story of the blind man. Jesus Healed him and the Jewish leaders questioned him about the one who gave him sight. “Who was He and what did He do to give you sight?, they asked. The former blind man said, “I don’t know anything about him, but I know I was blind and now I can see.”
We are like and unlike the blind man. When we met Jesus, we were spiritually blind and then He restored our spiritual sight. We are unlike the blind man, because we know about Jesus.
The former blind man asked, “Why are you asking so many questions, do you want to become one of His disciples?” Great answer, slapped the Jewish leaders right in the face. We can see the importance that they placed on Moses when they said, “We are disciples of Moses because we know God spoke to him.” This also points out they totally did not understand the signs in scripture regarding the coming Messiah.
The writer of Hebrews slaps them again and states very plainly Jesus is greater than Moses. Let me say, God used Moses in a great way, and He certainly was blessed. God used him in spite of His limitations and previous sins.
How is God using you? We are called to share the Gospel with people around us. Some of you are saying I can’t do this or that because I don’t have any talent or skills. Or you just don’t know what I used to do. First of all, you have been forgiven for sins past, present and future. Secondly, if God asks you to serve Him in certain way, He will provide everything you need to do the job. Thirdly, you are being disobedient to God if you are not allowing God to use you. You will not be blessed and possibly disciplined by God to bring you back into fellowship.
John 9:25-34 NLT
[25] “I don’t know whether He is a sinner,” the man replied. “But I know this: I was blind, and now I can see!” [26] “But what did He do?” they asked. “How did He Heal you?” [27] “Look!” the man exclaimed. “I told you once. Didn’t you listen? Why do you want to Hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples, too?” [28] Then they cursed him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses! [29] We know God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.” [30] “Why, that’s very strange!” the man replied. “He Healed my eyes, and yet you don’t know where He comes from? [31] We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but He is ready to Hear those who worship him and do His will. [32] Ever since the world began, no one has been able to open the eyes of someone born blind. [33] If this man were not from God, He couldn’t have done it.” [34] “You were born a total sinner!” they answered. “Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out of the synagogue.
As I said at the beginning, the writer established that Jesus was fully God and fully man. Now He is telling us that Jesus is far superior to Moses. Remember, He is writing to believers as He calls His readers, those who belong to God. All of us are part of the family, we belong to God. Amen, Amen and Amen.
He reminds us that we need to think carefully about Jesus as God’s messenger and High Priest. Let’s look first at Jesus God’s messenger.
Malachi 3:1 NLT
[1] “Look! I am sending my messenger, and He will prepare the way before me. Then the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to His Temple. The messenger of the covenant, whom you look for so eagerly, is surely coming,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.
Some people like to turn their Head when it comes to the Old Testament, because they say it is not relevant today. Let me just say in a loving way, “They are very ignorant when it comes to scripture.” You cannot understand the New Testament unless you understand the Old Testament and vice versa.
The first messenger mentioned in Malachi 3:1 is John the Baptist. The second one described as the messenger of the covenant, is Jesus.
John 8:38-42 NLT
[38] I am telling you what I saw when I was with my Father. But you are following the advice of your father.” [39] “Our father is Abraham!” they declared. “No,” Jesus replied, “for if you were really the children of Abraham, you would follow His example. [40] Instead, you are trying to kill me because I told you the truth, which I Heard from God. Abraham never did such a thing. [41] No, you are imitating your real father.” They replied, “We aren’t illegitimate children! God himself is our true Father.” [42] Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not Here on my own, but He sent me.
Not only did the Jewish leaders claim they were disciples of Moses, but here they are plainly claiming their father was Abraham. But Jesus said, “No if you were really children of Abraham you would follow His example.” Then they said, “God himself is our true Father.” Jesus replied, “It that were so, you would love me, but you are following the advice of your father.” Jesus is refuting their claim that Abraham was their father and that God himself was their father. He told them they were following the advice of their real father, Satan. They were being manipulated like puppets on strings, and they didn’t even realize it. Doesn’t that remind you of political and religious leaders today. Satan is having His way with them and they don’t realize it. There will come a day it will be made very clear to them, then it will be too late.
Jesus is saying, I am not Here on my own, but my message is from God the Father.
John 12:49-50 NLT
[49] I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. [50] And I know His commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”
Could Jesus say it any plainer? He said, “I say whatever the Father tells me to say.” His message was God’s message.
What was God’s message? Let’s look at some other verses.
Mark 1:14-15 NLT
[14] Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where He preached God’s Good News. [15] “The time promised by God has come at last!” He announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!”
The message Jesus proclaimed was the Good News about the Kingdom of God.
Luke 8:1 NLT
[1] Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took His twelve disciples with him,
Same message mentioned Here.
Luke 4:43 NLT
[43] But He replied, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.”
Same message mentioned Here. Good News about the Kingdom of God.
What is the Kingdom of God?
Broadly speaking it is the rule of an eternal sovereign God over all the universe.
More narrowly, it is a spiritual rule over the Hearts and lives of those who willingly submit to God’s authority. Those who willingly submit to God’s authority are people who believe: Jesus is the Son of God; He died on the cross and shed His blood as a sacrifice for them; He was resurrected on the third day; and He is sitting at God’s right hand interceding for them. They have accepted Jesus and invited Him into their heart to live as their Lord and Savior.
The Jews were told the Kingdom of God was among them.
Luke 11:20 NLT
[20] But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.
Luke 17:20-21 NLT
[20 One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God can’t be detected by visible signs. [21] You won’t be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.”
How can we be part of the Kingdom of God? Jesus explained it to Nicodemus.
John 3:3 NLT
[3] Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
You must be spiritually born again to be considered part of the Kingdom of God. In other words, accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
There is coming a time in the future when we will realize the broader meaning of the Kingdom of God. The rule of an eternal sovereign God over all the universe. God will restore the creation as He originally intended it to be. Hallelujah, Praise the Lord, Come Quickly Lord Jesus, Come Quickly.
He reminds us that we need to think carefully about Jesus as God’s messenger and High Priest. Now, let’s look at Jesus the High Priest.
Jesus being God supremely represents us before the Father and who represents the Father to us. We will explore the priesthood of Jesus a little deeper in another chapter in this book.
Moses was faithful when he was entrusted with God’s entire house, but as a human he had his limitations. Remember, God didn’t allow him to enter the promised land. Why? Because he did not obey God. He thought he could do it better.
Have you ever thought you could do it better than God? So you decided to go it alone and not wait on God, because you were impatient, you wanted it done now? How did it end up? There are countless times in my life that I moved God aside and proceeded on my own. Generally speaking, it ended up a mess. Woe is me, why didn’t I wait on God?
I am reminded of advice from the writer of Proverbs.
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. [6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Jesus was faithful to the Father so He will be faithful to us. Jesus was more faithful than Moses because He was the builder not a servant. Jesus is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house.
Philippians 1:6 NLT
[6] And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
1 Peter 2:4-5 NLT
[4] You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. [5] And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.
1 Corinthians 3:16-17 NLT
[16] Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? [17] God will destroy anyone who destroys this temple. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Moses received glory from God.
Exodus 34:29-35 NLT
[29] When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the LORD. [30] So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. [31] But Moses called out to them and asked Aaron and all the leaders of the community to come over, and he talked with them. [32] Then all the people of Israel approached him, and Moses gave them all the instructions the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai. [33] When Moses finished speaking with them, he covered his face with a veil. [34] But whenever he went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with the LORD, he would remove the veil until he came out again. Then he would give the people whatever instructions the LORD had given him, [35] and the people of Israel would see the radiant glow of his face. So he would put the veil over his face until he returned to speak with the LORD.
Jesus received more glory from God.
Matthew 3:16-17 NLT
[16] After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. [17] And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Mark 9:7 NLT
[7] Then a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my dearly loved Son. Listen to him.”
Acts 2:26-33 NLT
[26] No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. [27] For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. [28] You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.’ [29] “Dear brothers, think about this! You can be sure that the patriarch David wasn’t referring to himself, for he died and was buried, and his tomb is still here among us. [30] But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised with an oath that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. [31] David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. He was saying that God would not leave him among the dead or allow his body to rot in the grave. [32] “God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. [33] Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today.
The Holy Spirit is saying to believers, “Don’t harden your hearts, like Israel did. They tested God in the wilderness.” It didn’t work our well for Israel and it will not work out well for us if we turn our backs on God. Israel tried God’s patience even though they were eyewitnesses to His miracles. Their hearts turned away from Him and they refused to be obedient. I just can’t imagine they did this, but I am reminded they were no different than people today.
God said they will never enter His place of rest. And that generation didn’t. Caleb and Joshua were the only two from the original generation allowed to enter.
Numbers 14:30 NLT
[30] You will not enter and occupy the land I swore to give you. The only exceptions will be Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
The writer tells us to be careful and not allow sin to derail our spiritual growth. We must help each other daily to stay focused and keep Satan at bay. Our goal is to grow spiritually and continuously. We will have our ups and downs, but overall our spiritual growth should be trending up.
In closing, God asked three questions to emphasize He was talking about His people, the Jews. We see in this chapter that Jesus is the Son of God and far superior to Moses. The author closes with a truism, “There are consequences to sin, even when repentance is present.”
The original generation was not allowed to enter the promised land.
Praise God and Amen.
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PASTOR ALLAN