Consider the Apostle of Our Profession

Hebrews 3:1-11

“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. “ (Hebrews 3:1-2)

An older teacher used to say “when you see a therefore or a wherefore, you always want to go back and see what it’s there for.” In mathematical proofs, it introduces the conclusion as the natural result of previously ascertained facts. As the author has shown in the first two chapters, Jesus Christ is a complete human, having experienced human life in a way where he was far more exposed to trials and temptation than many today. At the same time, he was the creator of the universe. He voluntarily took on the form of a man and went through the worst that men experience, knowing the consequences, to please God the father, and because he loved us.

The word apostle is an English spelling of the Greek word meaning ‘a delegate’ or ‘an ambassador’. As the very creator and future ruler of the universe, he could not be a more authoritative messenger. As was pointed out, it would by unwise to ignore his message. At the same time. He is the only being qualified to serve as our high priest, and our sacrifice, because he is completely human. Taking the time to understand what he went through and what his actions accomplished is the best way of staying focused and committed to him, as Hebrews 12:2-3 points out. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

The goal of the book of Hebrews is the development of a strong and permanent commitment to Christ. This is to be done by careful review of What Christ has done for us, using the Old Testament examples to help us comprehend what was done and why. In that light, the ministry of Christ is compared to that of Moses, who was also clearly shown to be chosen of God.

“For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end. “ (Hebrews 3:3-6)

Moses was faithful in obeying God, and accurately delivering God’s message, but he was still just a servant, an employee, speaking for the King. Jesus Christ, on the other hand, was actively involved in making the decisions, and speaking of what belonged to him. Again, the recurring theme of a commitment that lasts to the end is emphasized, if we are to be a part of his kingdom. Many who started with Moses turned aside after a while. They experienced the same things but Hebrews 4:2 tells us they heard the same things and started but never truly placed their faith in him. “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” In the parable of the sower, Jesus described them as the seed which fell on rocky soil. It sprang up quickly, but died when confronted with life because it had no root in itself. We are warned of danger, and advised to listen to avoid ending up the same way. It would not be wise to ignore him.

“Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)” (Hebrews 3:7-11)