What is the meaning of Hebrews 3:1? Therefore • The word “therefore” looks back to everything in Hebrews 2, where Jesus is shown as the merciful and faithful High Priest who shared our humanity (Hebrews 2:17-18). Because He suffered and helps those being tempted, the writer now draws a practical conclusion for us. • Scripture often links doctrine to action with this hinge word (Romans 12:1; 1 Peter 1:13). Truth invites response. holy brothers • Believers are called “holy” because we are set apart by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 10:10). Holiness is not earned; it is received. • “Brothers” highlights family. Jesus is “not ashamed to call them brothers” (Hebrews 2:11). In Him we enjoy real spiritual kinship (Matthew 12:50). who share in the heavenly calling • Our call is “heavenly”—originating with God and aimed at glory. Paul speaks of “the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). • This calling is shared; no believer walks alone. Together we press on toward our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 1:9). set your focus on Jesus • The command is active: intentionally direct mind and heart toward the Lord. Later the writer repeats, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). • Focusing on Christ guards us from drifting (Hebrews 2:1) and from hardening our hearts (Hebrews 3:12-13). • Practical ways to focus: – Treasure His Word daily (John 15:7). – Remember His works in worship (Psalm 103:2). – Seek His presence in fellowship (Matthew 18:20). the apostle and high priest • “Apostle” means “sent one.” The Father sent Jesus into the world (John 20:21; 1 John 4:14). As the ultimate messenger, He perfectly reveals God (Hebrews 1:2-3). • “High priest” speaks of representation. Jesus entered the true sanctuary with His own blood (Hebrews 4:14; 7:24-27). He bridges the gap between God and mankind forever. • Holding both titles, He brings God down to us and lifts us up to God. whom we confess • Confession is open allegiance. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’…you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). • This shared confession unites believers (1 Timothy 6:12-13) and anchors hope: “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we confess” (Hebrews 10:23). • Faith is never meant to be private; it overflows in words and actions that honor Christ (Matthew 10:32). summary Because Jesus fully represents God to us as Apostle and represents us before God as High Priest, believers—holy siblings bound by a heavenly calling—are urged to center every thought, affection, and confession on Him. |
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