KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 4:14-5:10: The ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 4:14-5:10: The ...: From the diary of a scribbler, so far we now know about the Supremacy of Jesus, His magnificent Humanity and why it is essential to conside...

The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 4:14-5:10: The Perfect High Priest

From the diary of a scribbler, so far we now know about the Supremacy of Jesus, His magnificent Humanity and why it is essential to consider Him in order to enter God’s rest. In chapter 2:5-18 and 4:14-5:11, the author brings our focus on Jesus our superior High Priest.

What makes Jesus a superior and perfect High Priest?

1. He was sinless. Whereas the high priests before him were required to offer a sacrifice first for their own sins before offering for the people, Jesus didn’t have to offer any sin offering for Himself. “…because Christ suffered for you, …He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth,” (1 Peter 2:21-22).
2. Jesus’ self-sacrifice was far better than animal without blemish. “It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins,” (Heb. 10:4). When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanses our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Heb. 9:11-14).

What does that mean for me and you?

Israel’s high priest represented the people to God. He alone was permitted to approach a holy God and offer sacrifices on the people’s behalf. Now that Jesus we know that Jesus is superior to the OT high priests and any other priest that the world has ever known what this means to you and I is that we can respond to the invitation stated in (Heb. 4:14-16):

1. We can hold firmly to the faith we profess, v.14.
2. We can be confident that our superior high priest is able to empathize with our weaknesses, because He was tempted in every way, just as we are yet He did not sin, v.15.
3. We have unlimited access to the Holy of Holies, v.16. We can confidently approach our Father’s throne of grace and obtain mercy and grace in our time of need. Wow! What an amazing High Priest who provides help-mercy and grace in our time of need!

Principles of priesthood under Mosaic Law, (5:1-3)

For a high priest to be qualified:

1. Every high priest is selected from among men and, v.1.

1. He is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, v.2. 
2. It was necessary for the high priest to be able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness, v.3. 
3. A high priest had to be appointed by God, v.4.

Jesus qualified A Priest Forever in the Order of Melchizedek (5:4-6)

Now, going back to (Exodus 28:1; Leviticus 8-10), we know priests came exclusively from the tribe of Levi, however, Jesus’ descent is from Judah. So, how was Jesus qualified a priest? In (5:5-10), shows how Jesus fulfils and exceeds the above principles of priesthood under Mosaic Law:

1. He became human as seen in chapter 2;
2. He was designated by God as a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, (5:10); He not only represented the people to God but He also became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (5:9-10);
3. Christ qualified a high priest through what He suffered, v.8.  Note that learning obedience and being made perfect does not imply He was disobedient and imperfect in His deity but He humbled Himself by temporarily setting aside His rights to take on the form of a man. Through the ordeals of life Jesus’ humanity was made perfect through suffering. Even though he was the Son of God, it was necessary for Jesus as a human being to learn obedience not because he was disobedient
4. Once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him, v. 9.

4.  He identified with the people He represented, (Heb 4:15; 5:11). He was tempted in every way, just as we are yet He did not sin, v.15. because He understands the challenges man goes through, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.” Even today He still intercedes for us, (Rom 8:27, 34; Heb. 7:25; 1 John 2:1).

Yours faithfully,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 4: Entering into God's ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 4: Entering into God's ...: From the Diary of a faithful scribbler, our journey continues. Once again 'Therefore' features at the beginning of this chapter. Th...

The Christology of Hebrews 4: Entering into God's Rest

From the Diary of a faithful scribbler, our journey continues. Once again 'Therefore' features at the beginning of this chapter. Therefore is used to show how a sentence or a clause is related to what has already been said. Having understood the superiority of Jesus Christ, His glorious humanity and position as our Apostle and High Priest and the promised Rest. The author carries on the idea that unbelief hindered the the generation that left Egypt from entering Canaan. The clarion call is, "Don't miss God's Rest"

From this passage we learn that:
1. There's a promise that stands to date, that is, entering God's rest, v.1.
2. A person can fall short of the promised Rest because of unbelief, v.1.
3. The key to enter into God's Rest is by Faith, v.1; 3:1-19.
4. The Israelites heard the messge preached to them, they heard about the promise of God's Rest but it didn't profit them because of unbelief,v. 2.
5. Having heard the message of Jesus, we all have an opportunity to receive and enter God's Rest, v.3.

Proof of God's Rest
1. It's after the pattern of God's own rest stated in reference to cessation of work, Gen 2:2; Heb. 4:4a.
2. There's a definite place of rest for God's Rest, v. 6a.
3. This rest is spiritual as well as physical, v.10.
4. Entering into God's Rest is by Faith and obedience.

Application of the invitation to enter God's Rest
1. Be diligent to enter into God's by Faith, v. 11.
2. Give careful consideration to God's Word. It is alive and active; sharper and penetrating; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart, v. 12. It exposes unbelief, generates and fuels faith, Rom 10:17.

Up to verse 13, the central theme is about being diligent to enter into God's Rest by Faith. Certainly, there's a rest to be entered into. Having considered the supremacy of Christ, it is great tragedy to ignore JESUS Christ. Today, if you hear His voice do not harden your heart. Have you responded to JESUS?

Yours faithfully,
NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 3: Why it essential to ...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews 3: Why it essential to ...: From the diary of a faithful scribbler, the Christology of Hebrews continues. Chapter 3 opens with a point of application, “Therefore, cons...

The Christology of Hebrews 3: Why it essential to consider Jesus!

From the diary of a faithful scribbler, the Christology of Hebrews continues. Chapter 3 opens with a point of application, “Therefore, consider Jesus our Apostle and High Priest,” v.1.

Why is it indispensable to consider Jesus? Most dictionaries define consider as, “To think carefully about something or someone and be drawn toward a course of action.” Here, the author tells us to consider:

1. The humanity of our Savior, v.1a.
2. Jesus the Apostle-send under authority, to reveal the Father to us and to redeem us, v.1b.
3. Jesus the High Priest-who brings us up to God, v.1; 2:17.
4. Jesus made us holy brothers and sisters, 3:1; 2:10-11.
5. Jesus made us partakers in the heavenly calling, 3:1. Certainly, our calling comes from and culminates in heaven.
6. Jesus superior to Moses-For a Jew, Moses was the greatest man in history but the author reminds us that Jesus was and still is superior to Moses;
1. He was faithful to God and never failed even once unlike Moses, v.2.
2. He is worthy more glory, v.3
7. Jesus is God, v.4. He is the builder of all things, 2:3.
8. Jesus is a Son and heir over God’s house, v.6; 1:2b; and we are His house, v.6.

The author gives us reasons why we should consider Jesus and be drawn to make a decision to accept Him to be a personal Lord and Saviour. Have you considered Him?

The second part of the Christology of Hebrews 3 is a practical application which runs from v. 7-19. Having known about Jesus thus far, the author makes a clarion call:

1. Don’t harden your heart but surrender to Jesus, 3:8a, 15.

-          Israelites refused to trust God, (Num. 20:1-3) and because of their unbelief and rebellion, God condemned the generation that left Egypt to die in the wilderness, (Num. 14:22-23, 28-32). They faced judgment that culminated in 40 years of wandering in the desert, (Heb 3:9-11).

-          Certainly, those who refuse to consider (reject) Jesus will not enter God’s rest.

2. Don’t be like that generation that perished in the wilderness because of their unbelief, Heb 3:12-15.

-          Unbelief is such a serious sin and it is evil. It is unwillingness to trust God and it is rooted in deceit, v.12.

-          It is of paramount importance and a personal responsibility to surround yourself with Christians who will exhort you to trust God, v.13.

3. Be careful not to lose faith and rebel against God, v.16-17.

-          Israelites began well; they crossed the Red Sea and sung a song of praise to God. Days later they rebelled and God condemned them to die in the wilderness except Joshua and Caleb. Be careful that you don’t begin well yet fall short to persevere in faith, v. 18-19

4. The key to enter God’s rest is FAITH cantered on the person and the work of Jesus Christ, (Heb 2:17).

My friend, remember, in these last days God speaks to us by His Son, Jesus Christ. Have you heard Him knock at the door of your heart? How have you responded? Do not harden your heart. Do not let unbelief hinder you from entering God’s rest. Believe in Jesus and be saved.

Yours faithful scribbler,

NzakuNashipae

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremac...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremac...: Hi everyone. The diary of a faithful scribbler has been silent for quite some time now but a lot has been scribbled in its pages. In th...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremac...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremac...: Hi everyone. The diary of a faithful scribbler has been silent for quite some time now but a lot has been scribbled in its pages. In th...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 2: The Magnific...

KACHELBELA: The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 2: The Magnific...: From the diary of a scribbler,  This is a journey on the study of the person and work of Christ Jesus. Yesterday we studied chapter 1 w...

The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 2: The Magnificent Humanity of Jesus

From the diary of a scribbler, 

This is a journey on the study of the person and work of Christ Jesus. Yesterday we studied chapter 1 which is about Christ’s Supremacy. The point of application for chapter 1, (Supremacy of Christ) is a clarion call and solemn warning for both the believer and unbeliever to heed or pay most attention to what we have heard as stated in chapter 2:1-4.

What exactly have we heard? First, we have already heard that Jesus is superior to prophets and angels; that He is the creator; He is God and LORD (Yahweh), (Heb 1: 5-14); Second, we have heard the great message of salvation, (2:3). This message is Jesus Himself. He spoke the message of salvation to the early Christians who were his first-hand witnesses. Those witnesses confirmed the message they heard from Jesus to the subsequent generations.

What’s the big deal if you don’t pay attention or heed? Certainly, “You will drift away,” (2:1). Drifting away is not a sudden departure but a gradual backsliding. It begins when you hear the message of salvation but do nothing about what it. You see, if your life isn’t anchored in the Supremacy of Jesus, definitely the currents of life will hit you left, right and center, gradually drifting away. Secondly, when we disregard the invitation to salvation, there is a just punishment. If “Violation and disobedience of the message received from angels (who are inferior to Jesus) received its just punishment, how much more when we disregard Jesus’ message of salvation?” (2:2-3). God speaks to man today through His Son Jesus, (1:1-2). Any witness who brings to us any revelation and/or message except the message of salvation spoken by Jesus is false and should be shunned. As we confirm to others the message of salvation which we heard from our forerunners God will confirm His word with miracles, signs and wonders, (2:4).

The second part of the Christology of Hebrews 2:5-18, talks about the magnificent humanity of Jesus. Now, we need to understand that Jesus is not 50% man and 50% God.. One of the early heresies (Docetism) taught that Christ did not have a real or natural body during His life on earth but had a phantom one. Those who propagate this doctrine believe that Jesus was a spirit being but having a human body was an illusion. However, as a born again Christina I believe Jesus was fully God and fully man; this is what we call the hypostatic union.

1. We know Jesus is human because God put the world under His subjection, (2:5-9).

-          Back in (Genesis 1:26-30), we know that God didn’t give angels dominion over earth and man. Even though man was made a little lower than angels, to him dominion was given to him, (Psalm 8:4-6). God put all things under his subjection.

-          Application: For Jesus to rule and reign over the world, He had to become fully human. He took on suffering and died to defeat Satan and make it possible for man to have dominion over the earth as God intended.

2. We know Jesus is human because He calls you and me His brother and sister, (2:10-11).

-          It was necessary and fitting for the sovereign God to make Jesus perfect (not to mean He was lacking in His deity) through suffering and death, (v. 10). It pleased the Father to bruise Jesus so that the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy be of the same family, (Isaiah 53:10). Having paid the price, Jesus is not ashamed to call you and me His brother and sister, (Heb 2:11b).

-          As our elder Brother, Jesus had to take on human form, (2:14a); through His death, He dealt with the one who had the power of death, devil, (2:14b); He freed us from the fear of death, (2:15); He aids descendants of Abraham (people of faith), not angels when they are tempted and/or suffering, (2:16).

3. We know Jesus is human because in all things Jesus had to be made like His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God and make atonement to the sins of the people, (2:17).

-          Jesus couldn’t become a merciful and faithful priest if He didn’t become like us.

-          Because he suffered, He is able to sympathize and help us when we are being tempted and suffering.

-          Application: When am in despair and/or hopeless, this is an amazing comfort and hope to know that I serve the God who by experience knows and understands my pain and sorrow and He is interested in helping me.

In conclusion, you and I cannot afford to disregard God’s invitation to Salvation through Jesus. If we do, drifting away and ultimately eternal punishment is inevitable. Secondly, it is comforting to know that our High Priest, Jesus Christ made it possible for us to have God’s intended dominion over the earth and that He understands our pain and sorrow and will help us.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae