Jesus, The Apostle & High Priest of our Confession
Stephen emphasizes the significance of Hebrews chapter 3 and the profound truths about Jesus Christ as the apostle and high priest of our confession. He explains that Jesus, as the Son of God, is the heir of all things, the creator, and the sustainer of the universe, surpassing even angels in glory. As the Son of man, He humbled Himself, tasted death, and was crowned with glory, making Him uniquely qualified to be our advocate. Stephen highlights that Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house, but Christ, as the Son, is the builder and the eternal foundation of God's house, which is the church, composed of living stones. The shadow of the Old Testament, including the tabernacle and priesthood, points to the reality fulfilled in Christ. He stresses that Christ's work is complete—finished on the cross—yet we must hold fast to our faith and hope to experience the fullness of God's promises. Stephen urges believers to consider Jesus, not only as the apostle who has accomplished everything but also as the high priest who intercedes for us, supports us through the Holy Spirit, and ensures our spiritual progress. Recognizing both aspects helps believers live in the reality of their heavenly calling, avoiding shadows and embracing the fullness of Christ’s finished work in their daily walk with God.
Main Points Outline
- Hebrews 3 highlights Jesus as the faithful apostle and high priest.
- Jesus surpasses Moses in glory; He is the builder of God's eternal house.
- The Old Testament shadows (tabernacle, priesthood) point to the reality in Christ.
- Christ's work is complete ("It is finished"), but believers must hold fast in faith.
- Believers are part of God's house, built by Christ with living stones.
- Understanding Jesus as both apostle and high priest is essential for spiritual reality.
- The high priesthood involves intercession, support, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
- Believers are called to consider Jesus deeply to live in the fullness of their heavenly calling.
1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.
26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief: 7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. 8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.
11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
