Reading

• Heb. 1:1-6:12

Devotional

Today we begin a three-day look at the book of Hebrews. This letter gets its name from the fact that it is clearly written to Christians with a Jewish background. We do not know the writer, the exact time it was written, nor the exact people to whom it was written. Some people believe Paul wrote the letter, but there is some evidence which suggests that the letter might have been written between 65 and 70 A.D., which would apparently place it after Paul’s death. Regardless, the letter’s contents apply to us today and explain important connections between Jesus and the Old Testament.

Today’s devotional thoughts center around the various roles that Jesus serves for the child of GOD. In the first two verses of Hebrews we learn that Jesus is GOD’s spokesman of the last days, the heir of all things, and the Creator of the universe. The text reads:

¹ In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ² but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
(Heb. 1:1-2 NIV)

Jesus is superior to the angels, as is His name (Heb. 1:4). The angels worship Jesus. Jesus has been crowned with glory and honor, and GOD put everything under His feet. Jesus is the author of our salvation, and was perfected (or made complete) through suffering. Jesus shared in our humanity so that by His death He might destroy Satan who had power over death and free those who were enslaved by their fear of death.

GOD made Jesus high priest over us, so that He might make atonement for our sins. Jesus suffered when He was tempted, and this enables Him to help us when we are tempted. Jesus is our apostle. He has been given greater honor than Moses and Joshua. He is faithful as a Son over GOD’s house—the house we are when we remain faithful.

As our high priest, Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted as we are, but never committing sin. Jesus is also our king, just like Melchizedek was both king and priest during Abraham’s days.

These promises are so beautiful and comforting, as we consider all that Jesus means to us, and all that He does for us. Truly GOD loves us deeper than we could ever understand. Give thanks for Jesus every day!