What does it mean to fix your thoughts on Yeshua, the faithful Son over God’s house?
Hebrews 3:1-11 calls us to consider Yeshua’s faithfulness and supremacy, comparing Him to Moses, a revered servant of God. It also warns us against hardening our hearts as Israel did in the wilderness, urging us to trust and obey the One who leads us to God’s rest.
Key Verse:
“Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest.” – Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)
Background Context:
In Hebrews 3:1-11, the author encourages believers to fix their eyes on Yeshua, recognizing Him as greater than Moses. While Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, Yeshua is the Son over God’s house. This passage draws on the history of Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness, highlighting the consequences of a hardened heart and calling us to faithful obedience.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Jesus Our High Priest
1Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; 2He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house. 3For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. 5Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later; 6but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end.
7Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says,
“TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE,
8DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME,
AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,
9WHERE YOUR FATHERS TRIED Me BY TESTING Me,
AND SAW MY WORKS FOR FORTY YEARS.
10“THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH THIS GENERATION,
AND SAID, ‘THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART,
AND THEY DID NOT KNOW MY WAYS’;
11AS I SWORE IN MY WRATH,
‘THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.’”
Reflection on Hebrews 3:1-11:
- Consider Yeshua, the Faithful Son:
The passage begins by urging believers to fix their thoughts on Yeshua, our apostle and high priest (Hebrews 3:1). Yeshua is the ultimate example of faithfulness, fulfilling God’s plan perfectly as the Son over God’s house. Are you focusing on Yeshua as your guide and example in daily life? Reflect on His faithfulness and let it inspire your own. - Yeshua’s Supremacy Over Moses:
Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, but Yeshua is faithful as the Son over God’s house (Hebrews 3:5-6). This distinction highlights Yeshua’s divine authority and role as Savior. Are you honoring Yeshua as the head of your life? Submit to His authority and trust in His leadership. - The Warning Against Hardening Our Hearts:
Verses 7-11 reference Psalm 95, recounting Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness. Despite witnessing God’s miracles, they hardened their hearts and tested Him, forfeiting the rest He had promised. Are there areas in your life where unbelief or disobedience is hardening your heart? Confess these to God and seek His help to remain faithful. - The Call to Trust and Obey:
The warning to avoid Israel’s mistakes reminds us of the importance of trusting and obeying God. Faith is not merely intellectual but is demonstrated through obedience and perseverance. Are you living out your faith in trust and obedience? Ask God to guide you and strengthen your resolve to follow Him.
Summary Key Points:
- Fix Your Thoughts on Yeshua: He is our apostle, high priest, and faithful example.
- Yeshua Is Greater Than Moses: As the Son over God’s house, He is worthy of our trust and submission.
- Beware of Hardening Your Heart: Unbelief and disobedience lead to separation from God’s promises.
- Trust and Obey: Genuine faith is reflected in perseverance and obedience to God’s Word.
Application:
Examine your heart for areas where unbelief or disobedience may be hardening it against God’s truth. Spend time in prayer and scripture, fixing your thoughts on Yeshua and seeking His guidance. Reflect on His faithfulness as your example and submit to His leadership in every aspect of your life.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Yeshua as our apostle and high priest. Help us to fix our thoughts on Him and follow His perfect example of faithfulness. Guard our hearts against unbelief and disobedience, and teach us to trust and obey You fully. Strengthen us to live as part of Your house, bringing glory to Your name. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John Golda
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