The Book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers who were tempted to return to Judaism under persecution. Its message is clear: Jesus is superior to everything in the old system—don't go back!
The Key Word: Better
The word "better" appears thirteen times in Hebrews. Everything about Jesus and the new covenant is better:
- Better hope (7:19)
- Better covenant (7:22; 8:6)
- Better promises (8:6)
- Better sacrifices (9:23)
- Better possession (10:34)
- Better country (11:16)
- Better resurrection (11:35)
Jesus Is Superior To...
Angels (Chapters 1-2)
Though magnificent beings, angels are servants. Jesus is the Son, the heir of all things, the exact representation of God's nature.
"Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they." — Hebrews 1:4
Moses (Chapters 3-4)
Moses was faithful as a servant in God's house. Jesus is faithful as the Son over God's house.
"For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses." — Hebrews 3:3
The Aaronic Priesthood (Chapters 5-7)
The old priests died; Jesus lives forever. They offered repeated sacrifices; He offered one perfect sacrifice. They served in an earthly tabernacle; He ministers in heaven.
"But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood." — Hebrews 7:24
The Old Covenant (Chapters 8-10)
The old covenant was good but temporary, pointing forward to something better. The new covenant brings complete forgiveness and internal transformation.
"But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant." — Hebrews 8:6
The Heroes of Faith (Chapter 11)
Hebrews 11 showcases believers who lived by faith before Christ came. Their examples encourage us to persevere.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." — Hebrews 11:1
The Call to Persevere (Chapter 12)
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus." — Hebrews 12:1-2
With such a superior Savior, why would we ever turn back?