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The writer of Hebrews in this section develops an exposition of Psalm 95:7-11, stressing that Jesus is greater than Moses, and that Jesus is supreme in faithfulness. We are urged to action that expresses obedient faith.
Hebrews 3:1 "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;" (KJV)
"Wherefore" (Hebrews 3:1 KJV) links with (Hebrews 2:17-18 ). We can live the God pleasing, victorious life through the aid of our merciful and faithful High Priest, who experienced temptation, died for our sins, rose again, and ever lives to intercede for us. Faith that depends on Him is always triumphant.
"Holy brethren" (Hebrews 3:1 KJV). Holy speaks of our being among those who are consecrated to Christ. He has set us apart to Himself (Hebrews 2:11 ). "Brethren" speaks of our relationship to Christ , and our being members of God's glorious family. Jesus is our Redeemer- Kinsman, our Elder Brother. How awesome is that fact, for He is our Lord and God (John 20:28 ).
"Partakers" (Hebrews 3:1 ) 'metochos' - participant i.e. (as noun) a sharer, by implication an associate:- fellow, partaker, partner." Strongs Exhaustive Concordance
It speaks of our shared privilege in Christ. References show us to be sharers of grace (Philippians 1:7 ), of Christ (Hebrews 3:14 ), of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4 ), of His discipline (Hebrews 12:8 ), of His holiness (Hebrews 12:10 ), of the inheritance (Colossians 1:12 ), of suffering (1 Peter 4:13 ), of glory (1 Peter 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:12 ).
"Partakers of the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1 KJV). The call to Israel through God's servant Moses was that of deliverance from Egypt. Their destiny was the promised land of Canaan. Ours is a calling from heaven and a calling to heaven. Our destiny is to be a kingdom of priests unto God, and to serve the Lamb, our Lord and Saviour, eternally (Revelation 1:6; John 12:26; Revelation 5:10 ). Our acceptance of the heavenly calling ends aimlessness, instead, meaningfulness quickens each step (Psalm 37:23 ). Ours is not mere potential in Christ, it is real attainment in Christ.
"Consider" (Hebrews 3:1 ) - 'katanoeo' - to observe fully: behold, consider, discover, perceive." Strongs Exhaustive Concordance
We are to occupy our hearts and minds with who and what He is. In a word, concentrate on Him so that He infuses our conduct and provokes us to steadfastness and complete devotion in following Him.
"The apostle" (Hebrews 3:1 KJV) means messenger and sent one. Jesus is the supreme sent one, the Son of God is indeed God the Father's Apostle. He is greater than sent Moses, or the sent prophets, and is the Lord confessed by New Testament messengers, and all those who believe. To His all authority we must bow our will in full consent to His every command, and our lips confess that He is the Author and Finisher of our faith.
"and High Priest of our profession" (KJV) "our confession" (NKJV) (Hebrews 3:1 ) Profess the good confession of faith in His mediation by which we lay hold on eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12 ). Our profession of His sufficiency should be proved by our obedience to the gospel, that is expressed in a spirit of liberality (2 Corinthians 9:13 ). Practical confession of Christ causes prayer to be made for us (2 Corinthians 9:14 ) and leads to others giving thanks to God for Jesus, the most wonderful and indescribable gift of all (2 Corinthians 9:15 ). Our Redeemer, Advocate, Intercessor, Friend, and supplier of all that is meant by abundant life. Our personal confession should be "He is all I need."
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTIONWhy do you give full attention to who Christ is (Hebrews 3:1 )? What does it mean when you speak of Jesus as "the Apostle"? Do you have a testimony that confesses Christ's sufficiency?