Consider Him: Our High Priest and Apostle
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" - Hebrews 3:1
The writer of Hebrews masterfully weaves theology and practical application into a single thread, urging us to fix our eyes upon Jesus with the profound and weighty words found in Hebrews 3:1: "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding the identity and ministry of Jesus Christ, while simultaneously challenging us to reflect on our own identity as believers.
To grasp the depth of this passage, we must first unpack its components. The term "holy brethren" indicates a shared bond among believers. It signifies that those who have been called by Christ are set apart for His purposes, invited into a divine relationship. The designation of "partakers of the heavenly calling" elevates our existence beyond the earthly to the celestial. In a world that often distracts us with its trials and tribulations, this reminder grounds us in the truth that we are called to something greater, a life anchored in heaven and lived out on earth.
The call to "consider" is an imperative one, grounded in a rich theological foundation. The Greek word translated as "consider" means to reflect deeply on or to contemplate. This reflection is not a mere passing thought but an intentional focus on who Christ is and what He has accomplished. As we consider Jesus, we are invited to look closely at His role not only as our Apostle but also as our High Priest.
The term "Apostle" denotes one who is sent on a mission. Jesus is the ultimate apostolic figure, sent from the Father to bring redemption to mankind. His mission is defined by love, sacrifice, and a profound commitment to our salvation. As we contemplate this, we are reminded that He actively sought us, leaving the 99 to find the one. In considering the Apostle, we are also invited to step into the mission of Christ ourselves, living as sent ones in our communities and beyond. Just as He was commissioned, so are we—called to be ambassadors of grace and bearers of His message.
Furthermore, Jesus is described as our "High Priest," a concept rich in Old Testament symbolism. In the ancient Jewish context, the High Priest was the mediator between God and man, embodying the very essence of sacrifice, intercession, and reconciliation. Jesus fulfills this role perfectly. He is the ultimate sacrifice, the Lamb without blemish, who offered Himself once and for all. Through His high priestly act, He bridges the chasm between humanity and a holy God.
As we consider Jesus in these roles, we are compelled to respond in various ways. First, we are called to worship and adore Him, recognizing the holiness of His character and the depth of His love. In our quiet times, in our prayers, and in our gatherings, we ought to lift our voices and hearts to Him, expressing gratitude for His invaluable work as our Apostle and High Priest.
Secondly, this consideration should lead us to reflection about our lives. In what ways are we living out our own calling as "partakers of the heavenly calling"? How do we embody the character of Christ in our relationships and interactions? Are we sharing the gospel with those around us, just as He shared with us?
Finally, let us be comforted in the truth of His priestly intercession. As we face trials and tribulations, we can rest assured that Jesus continually intercedes for us before the Father. He knows our struggles and heartaches, and He advocates on our behalf. This knowledge transforms our perspective, granting us peace in uncertainty and courage amidst challenges.
In conclusion, let us heed the exhortation found in Hebrews 3:1. As we ponder the roles of Jesus as both Apostle and High Priest, may we be inspired to live as faithful witnesses, fully embracing our identity in Him. Let us cultivate a heart that considers Him daily, knowing that in doing so, we encounter the fullness of His grace and truth.
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Hebrews 3:1 - "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;"
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" - Hebrews 3:1
Hebrews 3:1-6 - "Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory."
"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." - Hebrews 3:1-6
"Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory." - Hebrews 3:1-6
jesus is the radiance of the father's glory hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 13:3
1 Samuel 13:3 - "And Jonathan smote the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear."
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" - Hebrews 1:3
"Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;" - Hebrews 1:3
Hebrews 6:3 - "And this will we do, if God permit."
Hebrews 3:8 - "Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:"
Hebrews 3:19 - "So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief."
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 1:14
Hebrews 3:18 - "And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?"
Hebrews 3:11 - "So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)"
Hebrews 10:3 - "But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year."
Hebrews 9:3 - "And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;"
"And this will we do, if God permit." - Hebrews 6:3
Hebrews 6:1
Philippians 3:5 - "Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;"
Hebrews 3:7 - "Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,"
Hebrews 6:1
Hebrews 1:3 - "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
Hebrews 3:2 - "Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house."
Hebrews 3:3 - "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."
Hebrews 5:3 - "And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins."
Hebrews 3:4 - "For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God."
Hebrews 8:1-5