The Glory Of Christ Revealed

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as Moses was also in God’s house. For he has come to deserve greater glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves greater honor than the house itself! For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that would be spoken. But Christ is faithful as a son over God’s house. We are of his house, if in fact we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope we take pride in”. Hebrews 3:1-6 NET

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that we are all holy (set apart) and called to share in a divine purpose. However, this calling doesn’t make us inherently unique; rather, it signifies our willingness to respond. Some believe God has predetermined certain individuals for salvation from the beginning of creation. Yet, this notion contradicts scripture, particularly John 3:16, which clearly states that “…the world might be saved through the Son.” What truly sets us apart is our active response to God’s invitation. This response defines our unique journey in faith, not God’s predisposed predilection of determinism.

The writer also says, “Take note of Jesus, the apostle and High Priest we confess.” This statement is particularly compelling because the writer intentionally uses the term ‘apostle’ to describe Jesus’ essential role. The word ‘apostle’ means “one who is sent off” or “an emissary.” Jesus is the first apostle entrusted by the heavenly Father with a profound mission. He was sent to be born as a human child, embodying both humanity and divinity. In this unique capacity, Jesus serves as God’s emissary, delivering the ultimate gift of salvation. to all of humanity: Himself.

The prophets who preceded Jesus were entrusted with vital messages from God, serving as His emissaries for their time. While they played an essential role, they were not the means of salvation; being human, they were fallible and flawed. Some even displayed challenging traits, yet God's truth broke through their limitations. When Jesus came of age, He embodied unwavering faithfulness to the one who sent Him, fulfilling the divine purpose in a way only He could.

Moses is indeed acknowledged as part of God’s household, but it is crucial to recognize that Jesus deserves far greater glory than Moses. The book of Hebrews was addressed to Jews who held Moses in high esteem as the cornerstone of their faith. Consequently, it is not surprising that many found it difficult to accept Jesus as greater than Moses, particularly since their knowledge of Him was based on secondhand accounts from those who had interacted with Him personally.

The author of Hebrews skillfully employs Old Testament texts to demonstrate that Jesus was anticipated even in ancient times. Both Moses and Jesus are likened to builders of a house; however, it is the builder—who embodies creation—who merits greater honor than the house itself. While the children of Israel are indeed remarkable, they cannot surpass Moses. In the same vein, Jesus, being God incarnate, surpasses all that He has created. Recognizing this hierarchy not only deepens our understanding of Jesus’ significance but also reinforces the divine authority He holds over all creation.

Moses exemplified faithfulness as a servant to the children of Israel, faithfully relaying God’s messages to His people and serving as God's oracle for many years as a priest. Yet, he was also human and imperfect, lacking the unending life that only God can offer. This truth led to Moses’s death after a life dedicated to service. Though he was a devoted servant, his disobedience resulted in God barring him from entering the Promised Land. However, in a show of grace, Moses was granted the opportunity to see the land from a distance before his passing (Numbers 20:6-13).

Moses’s role as a priest did not exempt him from sin; he was still fallible. Nonetheless, God’s unwavering love for Moses allowed him to continue serving and experiencing God’s presence in manifold ways. Some may think that Moses served out of obligation, but in reality, it was love that motivated him. He would never partake in what he found distasteful; instead, he devoted himself to God willingly and reverently, showcasing the profound relationship he had with his Creator.

We are truly the house of God, with Jesus living within our hearts and minds. Isn’t it remarkable that He is called a carpenter and a builder? The house He builds in us metaphorically represents the Holy Temple, where His presence dwells in the Holy of Holies, the most sacred space at the core of our hearts and desires. Jesus reigns in and through us, not out of mere obligation, but from a profound love that inspires and transforms us.

Encountering the Lord is a profound opportunity that can transform our lives. When we approach that moment with intention and an open heart, it can become one of our most cherished experiences. Although we may not witness miraculous events like a burning bush or see the angel of the Lord passing directly in front of us, the significance of His presence and His word is undeniable. God’s love transcends our natural reality, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him. We can find strength in the assurance that He is always faithful, never leaving or forsaking us, even amid our shortcomings. It is God’s nature to love; embrace His encounter—it can change everything.

Stephen Barnett