 |
|
| Volume 23 Number 1 January 2021 |
Page 10 |
|
|
| Volume 23 Number 1 January 2021 |
Page 10 |
Mark McWhorter
The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ. The author did not want them to return to the Law of Moses. Numerous names and designations are attributed by the author for Christ. All of these are used to demonstrate how superior and better Christ and His Covenant are.
“Christ” is used in 3:1 and 3:6. This word means “anointed.” The Father anointed Him above all others.
“Son” is used in 1:2 and several other verses. Christ came to Earth and lived as a human. He was the Son of God and the son of Mary. He lived a perfect life and then died for our sins. He was resurrected. His Father then called Him “Son” for another reason.
“Heir” is used in 1:2. At His ascension, the Father made Him heir of all things. This means He has been given all authority and power to reign over all things. His title of “Son” became more significant as the Heir. All Christians are called sons of God, but Christians do not have the power and authority of Jesus.
He is called “God” in 1:8. This lets us know that He is the same as the Father and the Holy Spirit. He is divine. He is eternal. He is holy.
“Lord” is used in 1:10. This word means “King.” He sits on the throne. As King, He created everything, and thus has authority over everything.
“Man” is used in 2:6. It is important that Christ left Heaven and came to Earth to live as a man. It was by this that He is able to say He fully understands us. He experienced trials, frustrations, temptations and sufferings just like we do. It helped Him to demonstrate why God was mindful of man.
I am so glad that Christ is our God. I am so glad He became man. I am so glad He is our Lord. I am so glad that through Him we can also be heirs of Heaven. Study your Bible. Learn all you can about what Christ wants us to do. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
Christ in Hebrews #2
Mark McWhorter
The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ. The author did not want them to return to the Law of Moses. Numerous names and designations are attributed by the author for Christ. All of these are used to demonstrate how superior and better Christ and His Covenant are.
“Jesus” is used in 2:9. This name means “Jehovah is Salvation.” Our salvation will only come through Him. He died for our salvation. He was given honor and glory from the Father for doing so.
“Captain” is used in 2:10. This word comes from a word which means “leader” or “prince.” He is the leader of our salvation. We should follow him on that path of salvation.
“Sanctifier” is implied in 2:11. Christians are sanctified. That means they are set apart for service to God. Christ is the One who sanctifies us. That makes Him the Sanctifier.
“Brother” is implied in 2:12. Christians are called His brethren. That makes Him our Brother. Saying He is our Brother suggests we are family. We are related. Family was extremely important to the Jews, and it should be important to us.
“Seed of Abraham” is used in 2:16. This was very important to Jews. They all took pride in stating that their lineage went back to Abraham. Christ became man. He was of the same lineage of Abraham, but His lineage was not simply physical. His lineage was also through faith – faith in God and demonstrated by obedience.
“Reconciler” is implied in 2:17. We are told He made reconciliation for our sins. This means He is the Reconciler. It means He made atonement for us. He performed what was necessary for the Father to forgive sins.
I am so glad Christ is our Captain of salvation. I am glad He came to Earth and lived as a man so that He is our Brother. I am so glad He obeyed the Father and is of the seed of Abraham. I am so glad He is the Reconciler. Study your Bible. Learn all you can about Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
Christ in Hebrews #3
Mark McWhorter
The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ. The author did not want them to return to the Law of Moses. Numerous names and designations are attributed by the author for Christ. All of these are used to demonstrate how superior and better Christ and His Covenant are.
“Apostle” is used in 3:1. This word means a “messenger” or a “delegate” sent by someone. Most people know there were apostles chosen by Jesus. Christ was sent by the Father. He had the most important message ever sent.
“High Priest” is used in 3:1. The Father appointed Christ as High Priest. Only the High Priest could go into the Holy of Holies and present the atonement blood. The ultimate Holy of Holies is Heaven. The Throne and Mercy Seat were in the Holy of Holies. Only Christ as High Priest could enter Heaven and present the atonement blood.
“Builder” is used in 3:3-4. He built the house that has more honor than the Tabernacle that Moses built. Christ built the church.
“Promiser” is implied in 4:1. He promised rest to those who follow Him. He always keeps His promises.
“Word of God” is used in 4:12. Christ is the One Who gave the message of God. John called Him the Word in the Book of John. He is the One Who made the universe with His words.
“Discerner” is used in 4:12. Christ is able to look inside our minds. He knows our thoughts. He sees everything.
I am glad that Christ came to give us the most important message ever given. I am glad He is our High Priest in Heaven. I am glad He built the church and has promised us a rest in Heaven. I am glad that He is the One who knows me. Study your Bible. Learn all about our wonderful God. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
Mark McWhorter has written daily devotionals for youth for decades. He lives in Pell City, Alabama, USA.