Over the past ten weeks, we have had the opportunity to consider the identity of Jesus Christ. Although we have certainly not covered the topic exhaustively, I believe that we have seen several helpful ideas that are both applicable to life and anchored to Scripture. We have thought about Jesus’ incarnation and role as Creator and Sustainer of all things. We have considered how Jesus makes the invisible Father known to us and speaks on His behalf. We have seen how Scripture describes Jesus as the “Christ,” “Son of Man,” “Son of David,” and “Son of God.” Currently, Jesus is serving as the Mediator between God and man. Closing out this series of lessons, for the next few moments, I would like to consider the simple yet life-changing message of the book of Hebrews: Jesus is better.
The book of Hebrews seems to have been written to Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith in Jesus. They were tempted to return to Old Testament law and forsake Jesus. It is as if the author of Hebrews was writing to that group of Christians to say, “Jesus is so much better. Why would you ever leave Him?” The Greek words for “better” and “superior” appear approximately fifteen times throughout Hebrews. An outline of the first ten chapters of Hebrews makes this theme clear. In Hebrews 1:5-2:18, Jesus is described as being superior to angels. In Hebrews 3:1-4:13, Jesus is described as being superior to Moses. In Hebrews 4:14-7:28, Jesus is described as being superior to the Aaronic priesthood of the Old Testament. In Hebrews 8, Jesus has established a better covenant. In Hebrews 9:1-12, we find a better sanctuary in Jesus. In Hebrews 9:13-10:18, Jesus is a better sacrifice. The overall point becomes clear: Jesus is better. Jesus is superior to anything the human mind can imagine.
We are often tempted to abandon Jesus in pursuit of worldly things. The point that the Hebrew writer makes to his audience so desperately needs to be recognized by Christians today. It is not even a competition; Jesus is so much better than anything in our lives. Fill in the blank. The subject does not matter. Jesus is better than family, friends, school, work, sports, and hobbies. Jesus is superior to money, popularity, politicians, and every other belief system that exists. We could spend many, many more weeks discussing the details of how Jesus’ identity is described in Scripture, but I believe that the entire message can be summed up in this transformative idea. Jesus is better; why would we ever leave Him?
I want to challenge you to read the book of Hebrews this week. As you read, focus on Jesus and how He is better than all things. Allow that idea to not only occupy your focus but also transform your life. Jesus is better; every day, let’s live for Him.
-Tyler Alverson
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