Why and How is Jesus "Better?" (Part 4)
A Study of Hebrews 4.
With this article, we continue our journey through the Book of Hebrews.
Thus far, we have noticed that Jesus is better than the angels, Moses, and provides that which is better in every way. We now come to the fourth chapter, where we read about why and how Jesus is better.
Previous articles:
Jesus Provides a Better Rest.
First, notice that Jesus is better because He provides a better rest (Heb. 4:1-10).
The Hebrews writer goes back to the Old Testament example of Joshua. It is interesting that Joshua and Jesus’ names come from the same root word (Hoshea) which means “savior.” Joshua had led God’s people into the Promised Land where they had rest, but spoke of “another day” (Heb. 4:8).
We learn from this section that there is a possibility of falling (Heb. 4:1-5), a problem of fear (Heb. 4:6-7), and the promise of rest (Heb. 4:8-10). There is a “rest” that remains beyond the Sabbath, and beyond Canaan. This “rest” is at the end of our earthly sojourn. This “rest” is for the people of God and will be eternal:
“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them” (Rev. 14:13).
The Living Word.
Second, see that the Word of God is living, active, and sharp:
“Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:11-13).
This word is a mirror to our souls (Jas. 1:22-25), and the words of Jesus will judge us in the Last Day (John 12:48; Acts 17:31).
Jesus is the Better High Priest.
Third, we examine that Jesus is better as our Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14-16). Jesus, the Son of God, has “passed into the heavens.”
Notice that the text says, “For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot sympathize with us,” which is to be understood as, “We DO have a High Priest Who CAN sympathize with us.”
Truly, Jesus is greater than any earthly priest (Acts 1:7, 9; Heb. 1:3; 8:1; Zech. 6:13). He can be sympathetic with the temptations of man — even better than the High Priest under the Old Law because Jesus was tempted “in all points” (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 22:40-44; 1 Pet. 1:21-22; 1 John 3:5) yet without sin. Nobody else can honestly say that (Rom. 3:23).
Because He was tempted as we are, He understands the appeal and the temptation to give in to the “lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:15-16). He withstood every temptation and was sinlessly perfect (Heb. 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22).
As our Great High Priest, Jesus provides access for us to the throne of God through the avenue of prayer (Heb. 4:15-16). We have the privilege of approaching the throne of God “boldly,” i.e, “unashamedly” (Acts 4:13, 29; Eph. 3:12; Heb. 10:19), which means “not brazenly, but without shame, or fear.”
The faithful have confident assurance that we will receive grace to help in time of need (1 Pet. 3:12; 5:7; 1 John 5:14).
Christ is superior: His way, His law, and His blessings. Why go back under the Old Testament? Why turn to anything or anyone else? Everything about Jesus is better and everything He offers and provides is better! Next week, we will continue our study by moving on to Hebrews 5.
Drew Suttles is a minister for the Quitman church of Christ in Quitman, Georgia, and one of my best friends in this world. They live-stream all their Bible classes and sermons on their YouTube channel.
Drew also hosts the “Weathering the Storm” podcast on the Scattered Abroad Network. Drew talks about facing life’s challenges as a child of God. His podcast will be a blessing to your life.
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Thank you 😊 so much for sharing.