Superiority of Christ
Hebrews 1. Today we begin reading this great epistle Hebrews. There has been much debate over the identity of the AUTHOR. Paul was traditionally held as author, but many others have been suggested. Personally, I lean towards Paul for a variety of reasons, but there's not enough time to discuss this matter in a short daily devotion. Suffice it to say, we do know who the author is. Ultimately, God is the author, as He is all of the Bible. In fact, Hebrews opens with the name of its Author--not Apollos, not Barnabas, not Luke, not Paul--but God "God, who at various times and in various ways spoke...." (1:1).
Next, knowing something about the AUDIENCE and ARGUMENT will help us understand this letter. First, Hebrews was addressed to Jewish believers who were turning back to Judaism. Persecution was becoming a real threat for these new Jewish Christians in the first century. Sensing that many of these Jewish believers were slipping back into Judaism, the writer exhorts them "to go on unto perfection" (6:1) and for them to "not forsake the assembling of [themselves] together, as is the manner of some..." (10:25). This author based his ARGUMENT on the "Superiority of Christ" over the Judaic system. As you will note in reading Hebrews, Christ is "better" than the prophets, the angels, and Moses. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, the Law and thus Christ mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism. Thus "the Superiority of Christ" is the theme of this letter.
Now, how does this apply to us today in our tolerant, pluralistic, anything goes society? It is simply this: The superiority of Christianity is based on the superiority of Jesus Christ! Period! Just as in the first century, it was not Jesus plus the angels or Jesus plus Moses. NO! It was Jesus period! Same today: It's not Jesus and politics, nor Jesus and education, nor Jesus and some other religion. It's Jesus Christ period. He is the way, truth and life and no man comes to the Father but by Him! (John 14:6). As you read the first chapter today, you'll see immediately, this book is about the superiority of Jesus.
Next, knowing something about the AUDIENCE and ARGUMENT will help us understand this letter. First, Hebrews was addressed to Jewish believers who were turning back to Judaism. Persecution was becoming a real threat for these new Jewish Christians in the first century. Sensing that many of these Jewish believers were slipping back into Judaism, the writer exhorts them "to go on unto perfection" (6:1) and for them to "not forsake the assembling of [themselves] together, as is the manner of some..." (10:25). This author based his ARGUMENT on the "Superiority of Christ" over the Judaic system. As you will note in reading Hebrews, Christ is "better" than the prophets, the angels, and Moses. He is better than the Aaronic priesthood, the Law and thus Christ mediates a better covenant. In short, there is more to be gained in Christ than to be lost in Judaism. Thus "the Superiority of Christ" is the theme of this letter.
Now, how does this apply to us today in our tolerant, pluralistic, anything goes society? It is simply this: The superiority of Christianity is based on the superiority of Jesus Christ! Period! Just as in the first century, it was not Jesus plus the angels or Jesus plus Moses. NO! It was Jesus period! Same today: It's not Jesus and politics, nor Jesus and education, nor Jesus and some other religion. It's Jesus Christ period. He is the way, truth and life and no man comes to the Father but by Him! (John 14:6). As you read the first chapter today, you'll see immediately, this book is about the superiority of Jesus.
posted by Royce Hendry at
6:54 AM
1 Comments:
I totally agree with Royce. And I also believe that it is all about Christ's superioty that we came into existence even at the very beginning (John 1:1-3).
However, I do not believe that we really have to look ourselves to be superior over the others. Yes indeed, we have been given a great favor for having Christ in our hearts. But if our promotion of Christ will be that we are superior over all other religions, well, i think it will really be harder for us to win people for Christ.
Humility is still the key. Just like Jesus Christ despite of his superiority, came down to give his life for unworthy people.
www.thedisciplers.com
www.lighthouseresource.blogspot.com
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