A brief review of chapter 3:
- Jesus is greater than Moses. While Moses was a faithful servant in the house of God, Jesus is the Son over the house.
- These Christians that the Hebrew writer is addressing were contemplating Jesus and going back to living under Moses’ Law. The writer wants them to understand that if they did, they would be leaving the superior (Jesus) for the inferior (Moses).
- Instead of leaving God’s Son, they needed to learn from Israel’s past mistakes. The generation of Moses’ day rebelled against God and did not enter His rest. They wandered in the wilderness for forty years and died. If these Christians left Jesus, they too would not enter God’s rest.
Chapter 4:
- This chapter continues the warning not to abandon serving Jesus by focusing on the promise of “rest” for Christians.
- There are three “rests” mentioned (Hebrews 4:1-11). There is the rest of heaven (Hebrews 4:1). There is Israel’s Promised Land rest (Hebrews 4:3). There is the Sabbath Day rest (Hebrews 4:4).
- The Israel of Moses’ day missed their “rest.” Due to their unbelief, God did not allow them to enter Canaan. This same thing can happen to Christians if we don’t persevere in Christ. The “rest” that remains for us is in heaven.
- We must be diligent to enter our rest. This includes listening to and abiding by the word of God (Hebrews 4:12-13). We will be judged by God’s word on the Judgment Day!
- Hebrews 4:14-16 begins a significant section about Jesus being our High Priest. The point of the section is, “Jesus is better than Aaron.” His priesthood is superior to Aaron’s priesthood.
- As our High Priest, Jesus can truly sympathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way, and yet, He did not sin! Through Jesus, we can confidently approach the throne of God and find mercy and grace.
