Chapter 3: Jesus, Greater than Moses

Introduction

In Hebrews Chapter 3, the author urges believers to consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. The text compares Jesus with Moses, emphasizing that while Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus is the Son over God's house. This chapter highlights Jesus' superiority over Moses, underscoring that He is the builder of the house and worthy of greater honor.

Overview of Hebrews 3

Hebrews 3 can be divided into three main sections:

1. Jesus Greater than Moses (verses 1-6)
2. Warning Against Unbelief (verses 7-12)
3. Exhortation to Hold Firm (verses 13-19)

Jesus Greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:1-6)

Verses 1-2: The chapter begins by addressing believers as holy brethren and partakers of the heavenly calling. It emphasizes that Jesus, sent by God, is faithful, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.

Verses 3-6: The text elaborates that Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses, as the builder of the house is greater than the house itself. Moses was faithful as a servant, but Christ, as a Son, is over God's house. Believers are described as God's house if they hold firmly to their confidence and hope.

Warning Against Unbelief (Hebrews 3:7-12)

Verses 7-11: The author warns against hardening hearts, as the Israelites did during their rebellion in the wilderness. The quotation from Psalm 95 serves as a reminder of their disobedience and the consequence of not entering God’s rest.

Verse 12: A direct warning is given to the readers to be cautious of having an evil, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.

Exhortation to Hold Firm (Hebrews 3:13-19)

Verses 13-14: The text exhorts believers to encourage one another daily to prevent being hardened by sin's deceitfulness. Holding firm to the end is a sign of being truly part of Christ.

Verses 15-19: The chapter concludes by reiterating the warning against unbelief, using the example of the Israelites who could not enter God’s rest because of their disobedience and lack of faith.

Discussion Questions

1. How does Hebrews 3:3-4 explain why Jesus deserves more glory than Moses?
2. In what ways are believers considered God’s house, and how does this relate to our faith and confidence in Christ?
3. What are the dangers of an unbelieving heart as described in Hebrews 3:12, and how can believers guard against it?
4. How does the exhortation to encourage one another in Hebrews 3:13 help in preventing a hardened heart?

OT Verses Quoted in Hebrews Chapter 3

• Hebrews 3:7-11 - "Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled, when they tested me in the wilderness. There your ancestors tested and tried my patience, even though they saw my miracles for forty years. So I was angry with them, and I said, ‘Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’ So in my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest.’” - Psalm 95:7-11
• Hebrews 3:15 - "Today when you hear his voice, don’t harden your hearts as Israel did when they rebelled." - Psalm 95:7-8

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Jesus’ Superiority: Jesus is superior to Moses, not just in role but in essence, being the Son of God who oversees God's house.
2. Faith and Obedience: The importance of faith and obedience is underscored, with the failure of the Israelites serving as a warning to all believers.
3. Encouragement and Perseverance: The need for mutual encouragement among believers to persevere in faith is highlighted, emphasizing the dangers of unbelief and sin's deceitfulness.

Conclusion

Hebrews 3 challenges believers to recognize the superiority of Jesus over Moses and the serious consequences of unbelief. The chapter calls for a steadfast commitment to faith and obedience, emphasizing the importance of mutual encouragement among believers. The cautionary tale of the Israelites' failure to enter God's rest serves as a warning and a reminder of the need to hold firm to our confidence and hope in Christ.