Intro: We must guard ourselves from thinking about Jesus as just a loving being who is kind and compassionate to oppressed people. Although this is most certainly true, there is a great deal more to consider when saying we are partners together in Christ. To be a partner with Jesus, as his follower, is to pursue a growing and holy life in the Spirit (James 1:18). This is the only way to remain faithful to the genuine gospel of Christ.
Jesus came to save and forgive us from the sin of our fallen nature, build us into his righteous character, and call us to faithfully live in the new life he offers while we encourage others to join God’s family and start the journey for themselves. We belong to the Father’s Household when we welcome and embrace the whole work of Christ. Jesus builds the House of God [his people] into his image; Christ is our genuine image of holy faith.
In our passage today, the writer of Hebrews reminds those who profess to be Christians that Jesus is the truest Hero of the faith that pleases the Father. Moses was appointed by God as a prophet to the people, but Jesus IS God and the One who actually sent Moses to lead his people toward truth. When we remain focused on the truth of Jesus and what he actually came to do through redemption [helping us regain the life we were created to live from the beginning], we will not minimize his power or usurp his place and purpose for our lives. God is the divine Builder of every life that pleases him and Jesus is the One in whose image we are being made. So, when Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves, pick up our cross, and follow him, he is inviting us on a journey to be recreated in his holy image (Mat 16:24). Therefore, the world has no authority to tell you who you are or what is acceptable to God; so deny that unholy word and surrender yourself to the truth. If you profess to be a partner with Jesus, you are being made in his image; he is the divine Builder of you as a son or daughter of the Father! Take courage and put your hope and identity where it belongs…in Jesus! Grace—Christ’s divine help and strength—will make you victorious. We are saved by faith through grace when we believe the truth (Eph 2:8).
Hebrews 3:1-6 NLT Jesus Is Greater Than Moses
1 And so, dear brothers and sisters [holy ones] who belong to God and are partners with those called to heaven, think carefully about this Jesus whom we declare to be God’s messenger [Apostle] and High Priest. 2 For he was faithful to God, who appointed him, just as Moses served faithfully when he was entrusted with God’s entire house.
3 But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a house deserves more praise than the house itself. 4 For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God.
5 Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. 6 But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ [faithful to the end].
Prayer: Father, as your children who seek to follow Jesus, help us to be excited about our future in your loving care. Lord, you are our Apostle who is set apart. You are our High Priest with supreme authority. You are our Builder and your image is the goal of our faith. Draw us closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.