Hebrews 3:1-6 “Confidence and Pride”

Hebrews 3:1-6 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• HILLSONG WORSHIP – Cornerstone
• All Sons & Daughters – Great Are You Lord
• Greater – Lakewood Music
• Open The Eyes Of My Heart – WELOVE (Korean Praise w/ ENG SUB)

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Kids 222 Hebrews 3:1-6 – Lesson for Kids
• Jesus is My Superhero by Hillsong Kids – Song for Kids
• Who you say I am by Hillsong – Trent Kids Dance – Song for Kids
• Turn Your Eyes | Stellar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The author addresses the recipients as “holy brothers and sisters who share in the heavenly calling” (verse 1). The phrase “who share in” can also be translated as “who participate in” or “who have in common.” In faith in Jesus Christ, all believers are brothers and sisters who partake in the same hope. The author then urges, “Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest” (verse 1). The phrase “fix your thoughts” means to continue thinking deeply, thoroughly, and sincerely until you are fully convinced in your heart that this is true. Here, the author refers to Jesus as both “apostle” and “high priest.” The term “apostle” means “one who is sent.” Jesus was sent to mediate between God and humanity in his role as the high priest (apostle).

The author continues by explaining that Jesus is superior to Moses. The reason for comparing Jesus Christ to Moses is that the Jews at the time considered Moses the greatest figure. Jesus Christ, like Moses, was faithful both to God (“the one who appointed him”) and to “God’s entire house” (meaning Israel) (verse 2). The word “faithful” can also be translated as “trustworthy,” referring to a consistent attitude of dedicated commitment.

The “builder of the house” (verse 3) refers to Jesus Christ. In contrast, Moses was merely a member of that household. In this sense, Jesus is superior to Moses. Jesus is greater because He, together with God the Father, is the one who created everything (verse 4). While Moses served God’s household as a “servant” who testified to God’s word (verse 5), Christ served as the “Son” (verse 6). The phrase “that hope” refers to the “heavenly calling” mentioned in verse 1. When we properly understand who Jesus Christ is, we gain “confidence and pride” in that hope. Having such confidence and pride signifies that we have already become members of God’s household.

Meditation:

Even now, as in the past, Jewish people regarded Moses as the greatest figure in human history. They believed that the Law given through him was superior to any legal code possessed by other nations. Such confidence and pride motivated Jewish people to preserve their heritage and traditions regardless of where they lived in the world. However, this strong sense of confidence and pride sometimes led to social conflict, division, and even anti-Jewish sentiment.

This is why the author compares Jesus Christ with Moses. If we truly understand who Jesus Christ is, we should exalt him far beyond the respect given to Moses. Moses was a created being, whereas Jesus is the Creator. Moses was faithful to Abraham’s descendants, but Jesus Christ is faithful to all humanity. Moses served as a “servant” who was called to serve, whereas Jesus fulfilled God’s will as the “Son.”

This is why the author urges the readers to “fix your thoughts on Jesus” (verse 1). If they truly understand who he is, they will give him far greater glory than the Jewish people’s respect for Moses. Furthermore, they will embrace Jesus’ teachings with a far stronger sense of pride than Jewish people’s pride in the Law that Moses delivered. Considering that the Jewish people lived with firm confidence that observing the Law would lead to salvation, those who believe in Jesus should have even stronger assurance in their faith.

Prayer:

Lord, I lift my eyes of faith to see you. Following the apostles ‘ testimony, I meditate on who you are, what you have done, and what you will do. Shine the light of the Holy Spirit into my heart so that I may know you more deeply. Help me to be sure that I belong to your household, and let me live with pride in that truth. In doing so, may I firmly hold on to the heavenly calling you have given me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus is greater than anyone else, even the most famous and respected people in history because he is God’s Son and the Creator of everything. Because we belong to Jesus’ family, we can be proud and confident in our faith.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Who is someone you really look up to? Why do you admire them?
  • What makes Jesus even greater than those people that you admire/respect?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • How does knowing that Jesus calls you part of His family make you feel?
  • Have you ever felt nervous or unsure about your faith? What helped you feel more confident?
• For High School
  • If you truly believed you were part of Jesus’ household, how might that change the way you see yourself?
  • What’s one quiet way you can live out your faith confidently this week — maybe at school, home, or with friends?