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CLOSER CONSIDERATION OF OUR HIGH PRIEST

Hebrews 3:1b-2

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.  Jesus was introduced as our high priest in Hebrews 2:17.

 

B.   Now the inspired writer wants his readers to seriously consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus (Heb. 3:1).

 

C.  This section contains three sections:

1.    Consider (Heb. 3:1)

2.    Compare and Contrast (Heb. 3:2-6a)

3.    Confidence (Heb. 3:6b)

 

I.         CONSIDER (Heb. 3:1)

 

II.       COMPARE AND CONTRAST (Heb. 3:2-6a).

 

A.  Comparison (Heb. 3:2)

 

Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

 

1.    Jesus was faithful to the Father.

a.    As one appointed by another, there are two elements to consider.

1)     A trust committed

2)    The proper discharge of that trust

b.    Appointed:

1)     Definition:

a)    To make or do

b)    To make…constitute or appoint one to anything, to appoint or ordain one

2)    The Bible often says that Jesus was sent by the Father (Matt. 10:40; John 3:17, 34; 4:34; 5:23; 10:36; 12:49; 17:3).

 

For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

 

c)    Evidence of Jesus’ faithfulness:

-       As a 12 year old boy (Luke 2:49)

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me?  Wist ye not that I should be about my Father’s business?

 

-       During His earthly ministry (John 6:38)

 

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

 

-       On the cross of Calvary (Matt. 26:39)

 

And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me:  nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

 

2.    As Moses was in all his house

a.    As:  adverb meaning to the same degree or amount…when considered in a specified form or relation

b.    Moses had been appointed to his position by God (Exo. 3:10).

 

Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

 

c.    Moses was faithful in the discharge of his trust.

1)     Numbers 12:7

 

My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.

 

2)    Hebrews 11:24-29

 

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:  for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.  By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king:  for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.  Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.  By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land:  which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

 

d.   In all his house

1)     The word “house” is used 7 times in five verses in this section.

2)    Definition:

a)    Strong (3624):  a dwelling…by implication a family

b)    Thayer:  the family of God…of the church of the Old and New Testament

c)    Wacaster:  The author uses a figure of speech in which the container (the house) is used to represent the contents (the family of God).  A man’s family resides in his house.

3)     Both Jesus and Moses were faithful over the house, that is, the people of God.  They faithfully discharged their trust given to them.