One Greater Than Moses

 8. By saying what is recorded at Hebrews 3:1, what was Paul urging his fellow Christians to do?

⁸ Mentioning a vital point, Paul wrote: “Consider the apostle and high priest whom we confess—Jesus.” (Hebrews 3:1) To “consider” means “to perceive clearly . . . , to understand fully, consider closely.” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) Thus, Paul was urging his fellow believers to make a serious effort to come to a true appreciation of the role that Jesus played in their faith and salvation. Doing this would strengthen their resolve to stand firm in faith. What, then, was Jesus’ role, and why should we “consider” him?

 9. Why did Paul refer to Jesus as “apostle” and “high priest”?

⁹ Paul applied the terms “apostle” and “high priest” to Jesus. An “apostle” is someone sent forth and here relates to God’s means of communicating with mankind. A “high priest” is one through whom humans can approach God. These two provisions are essential to true worship, and Jesus is the embodiment of both. He is the one sent from heaven to teach mankind the truth about God. (John 1:18; 3:16; 14:6) Jesus is also the one appointed as the antitypical High Priest in Jehovah’s spiritual temple arrangement for the forgiveness of sin. (Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 John 2:1, 2) If we truly appreciate the blessings that we can realize through Jesus, we will have the courage and determination to remain firm in faith.

11, 12. What did Paul urge the Hebrew Christians to hold on to “firm to the end,” and how can we apply his counsel?

¹¹ Truly, the Hebrew Christians were in a highly favored position. Paul reminded them that they were “partakers of the heavenly calling,” a privilege to be treasured above anything that the Jewish system had to offer. (Hebrews 3:1) Paul’s words must have made those anointed Christians feel grateful that they were in line for a new inheritance rather than feel sorry that they had given up things connected with their Jewish heritage. (Philippians 3:8)