A brief review of chapter 2:
- Christians must make sure that they don’t forfeit their “great salvation.”
- Jesus was made lower than the angels. He was made this way so that He could die and become a complete and perfect Savior.
- The sufferings of Jesus brought about many blessings. His death and resurrection made it possible for us to become His brethren. It rendered Satan and death powerless. It qualified Him to become our perfect High Priest.
Chapter 3:
- A contrast is made between Moses and Jesus in this chapter (Hebrews 3:1-6). Moses is described as the faithful servant over God’s house, but Jesus is the Son over the house. The Son is greater than the servant! Moses alluded to the superiority of Christ in Deuteronomy 18:15-19.
- Jesus is referred to as an “Apostle” and “High Priest” (Hebrews 3:1). He is an Apostle because He was “sent out” from heaven to do God’s will. The subject of Him being a High Priest is discussed in detail later in the book.
- Israel’s unbelief in the days of Moses is described in verses 7-19. In verses 7-11, the writer quotes from Psalm 95. This psalm includes a warning to Israel not to be like their forefathers in the wilderness.
- The Israelites who wandered in the wilderness missed their rest in Canaan because of rebellion and hardness of heart. The Hebrew writer reminds his audience of this fact to persuade them not to follow in their footsteps.
- For us to also avoid Israel’s mistake, we need to be careful of forming unbelieving hearts and encourage one another (Hebrews 3:12-13). We need to hold fast to Jesus (Hebrews 3:14). We need to avoid lacking in faith (Hebrews 3:15-19).
