READ: Ezekiel 23,24; Psalms 134; Hebrews 8
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 8: 6 But
in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the
covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new
covenant is established on better promises.
OBSERVATION: When Christians go through persecution and
hear confusing and misleading teachings from others, questions of faith may arise in their mind.
At times, they may wonder whether their present faith is better than the previous
religious belief. Jewish Christians would have been in such a state. Because of
their faith in Jesus Christ, they were persecuted. If only they had said that
they believed in the law of Moses, they
could have avoided persecutions from the Jews who were very proud of Judaism. One
of the key themes in the epistle of Hebrews is, Jesus is better than the
angels, the prophets, Moses; his priesthood is superior, even that of Aaron;
The new covenant of Jesus is better than the old covenant; his promises are
better than the previous ones. Hebrews 8:6 gives a summary statement about the
superiority of Christ.
What prompts us to say Jesus is
better than the best! Jesus is better
than all the prophets because God’s revelation through Jesus is superior than
all, and he is the Son of God. Angels are God’s creation and ministering
spirits to serve those who receive salvation. But through the Son, God “made
the universe,” and angels are to worship him. So Jesus is better than the
angels. Moses was a faithful servant in God’s house. But, Jesus is the faithful
Son and builder of God’s house. Therefore, he is better than Moses. He is the
LORD of the Sabbath. Jesus’ priesthood is not limited to time and place. No
need to offer animal sacrifice and wait for the day of atonement. Christ
offered himself as the sacrifice to make the atonement with God and pay the
price for our sins. Christ’s role and participation in the New Covenant make it
better than the old covenant. In the new covenant, God puts his words in our
minds and writes in our hearts. The old covenant emphasized works, but the new covenant
is based on the grace of God. Further, Jesus serves as the mediator between God
and humanity. Likewise, we can say many things for the superiority of Jesus. God
gives us a new and better covenant, The ministry of Jesus is superior than
others. Jesus’ promises are better than any Old Testament promises. Jesus has
everything we need. Referencing verses from the Old Testament, the Bible for Jews,
the author of Hebrews proves that Jesus is the best person. The bible invites us
“to taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps.34:8).
APPLICATION: I can speak and write many things about the supremacy
and greatness of Jesus Christ. But it must come from my heart and relationship
with Christ. When I say “Jesus is better than the best,” it should not be an
empty slogan. My life should testify to what I claim about Jesus. Tasting God’s
love and grace, I live under the new covenant of Christ.
PRAYER: Father God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus
Christ to save us. Thank you for giving me your best. Lord, help me to meditate
your words to know more about your love and come near you. “May your good
Spirit lead me on level ground” (Ps.143:10). Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 317
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