Hebrews 3 (2)

Introduction
Having told us that we must look to Jesus for the model, motivation, and power to resist drifting from our callings, the writer now exhorts us to consider Jesus. He’ll do this again in chapter 12, so it must be an important concept. Let’s linger on it a bit.

Meditate on Numbers 12.5-8.

Read Hebrews 3.1, 2.

Think it through.
1.  The Greek verb used in verse 1 is κατανοέω, and it means “to give very careful consideration to some matter – to think about very carefully, to consider closely”, and “to come to a clear and definite understanding of something - to understand completely, to perceive clearly” (Louw & Nida). The focus in this verb is on detailed examination and thoughtful reflection, and sound conclusions. How should we do this? What are we doing while we’re doing this? How much does thoughtful reflection and detailed examination of Jesus factor into your spiritual life? To what conclusions does it bring you concerning Jesus? The writer helps us focus somewhat by describing Jesus as “the Apostle and High Priest” Whose remit has to do with “our confession”. How does this help to focus our consideration of Jesus? 

2.  The objective of considering Jesus is to strengthen us in faithfulness. We should see, as we consider Jesus as the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, that He was faithful in all He did and said. He was sent to be faithful, even to the point of suffering and death (chapter 2). Meditate on John 20.21. Since Jesus was sent to be faithful, how should this guide us? What does it mean to be faithful like Jesus was faithful? Were the first readers of this epistle in danger of forsaking such faithfulness? Explain. Moses was faithful, too, as the first readers of this epistle would understand. Why does the writer introduce Moses at this point? Are there similarities between the faithfulness of Moses and that of Jesus? Explain.

Meditate.
“After having in this fashion completed the comparison with the angels, he makes a parallel with the mighty Moses, greater than all the prophets, so that after showing the difference to be infinite, he may show at the same time the contrast between the covenants, the promises and of course the priests. Once again he mingles exhortation with the comparison lest he seem to be doing it on purpose rather than under pressure of a kind of necessity.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4.1, 2

Help me to be faithful, Lord, to follow You and live for You as I …

Pray Psalm 95.8-11.
Linger over these words, asking the Lord to show you any areas of your life that may be keeping you from being faithful to Him in all your ways.

Psalm 95.7-11 (Tidings: O Zion Haste, Thy Mission High Fulfilling)
You are our God, we are Your sheep, Your people:
Speak, Lord, and let us hearken to Your Word.
Let not our hearts grow hard through sin, and feeble,
As when our fathers sinned against You, Lord.
Refrain v. 6
Come let us worship, kneel to our Lord;
Worship our Maker: Father, Holy Spirit, Word.

Long years You loathed that wicked generation,
Who in their hearts, rebelled against Your path.
Them You forsook, and kept from Your salvation;
Them You subjected to Your fearsome wrath.
Refrain

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.