The human heart is restless, always looking for something of value to have on its throne. What we place on the throne of our hearts is constantly changing because nothing on earth can truly satisfy. The book of Hebrews addresses this. It shows us that there is One who is better than anything we could possibly own, experience, or imagine.
Welcome to our study through the book of Hebrews. It is an amazing book, as it shows us how the Old testament ties to the New Testament and how all the laws, ceremonies, and prophets in the Old Testament point to Jesus, the One who is better than anything else.
The author of Hebrews (some believe it was Paul or Luke, others believe it was Barnabas or Apollos. This mystery will be solved when we get to heaven) wastes no time in showing us the superiority of Jesus.
In just the first four verses we are told God has spoken through His Son, that He is heir to all things, creator of all we see, owner of the same glory and nature God has because He is God and it is through His power that all things hold together.
That is quite amazing and yet we forget, don’t we? We are not the only ones. This is an age-old problem because even the people to whom Hebrews was written were fallen men and women like us who were quickly distracted and had to be reminded that Jesus is better than prophets or angels, Moses or priests, sacrifices, laws or ceremonies. All these things were and are good; Jesus is better.
Angels are messengers and Jesus is the message. The sacrifices were a symbol of cleansing and Jesus is our actual cleansing. The prophets told about one who would redeem and Jesus is that redemption. In all things, Jesus is better.
This is why later, in Hebrews 12, the author encourages us to run the race before us with our eyes set on Jesus. When we understand the power, perfection, and overall superiority of Jesus we will persevere no matter what hurdles we must overcome. We will be faithful because we will understand there is no one and nothing better to give our affection to than Jesus.
As we study this amazing book follow in the footsteps of the author of Hebrews and make Jesus comparisons a regular part of your life. That way, Jesus will stay on the throne of our hearts and everything else will stay in its proper place.
In all my sorrows, Jesus is better
In all my victories, Jesus is better
Than any comfort, Jesus is better
More than all riches, Jesus is better
Make my heart believe
(taken from the lyrics of Jesus Is Better by Austin Stone)
Looking to Jesus,
Week 1 Challenge:
Hebrews 2:1 warns us about drifting away from our faith. Because of our sinful nature, we do not naturally drift toward God. What are three things you can do this week to commit to paying close attention to what you have learned from God’s Word? Write these things down and put them somewhere you will see them often. At the end of this week, reflect on whether or not these habits worked. If they did, how can you continue to implement them in the future? If they were not helpful, what other habits can you establish to keep you strong in your faith?
Week 1 Reading Plan:
Week 1 Memory Verse:
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