“Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house.” Hebrews 3:1-2 (NAU)
Consider the most famous person of all time. In the 21st century, he has almost universal respect, especially in the regions of the world where Christianity prevails. That is a remarkable fact, in itself, because he lived a lower-middle class life, without fame or fortune, at a time when public relation experts and media technology did not exist. In addition to Christians, other religions also revere Jesus as either “a prophet” or as “a holy man.”
He began his ministry alone and collected followers as he went. He traveled around his world restricted only by walking distances, and his reputation for “doing good” was formed and promoted by those to whom he had ministered. His message was a religious one, concerning the effect of God’s kingdom in this world. This kingdom message disturbed the religious leaders of his nation, who considered him to be a blasphemer and threat to their established religion. They persuaded the civil government to execute him on a civil charge, similar to rebellion and treason. His story doesn’t seem to merit the recognition and respect that he receives today. Yet, there are some crucial issues about him, which must be considered carefully.
Theology scholar and professor, Fisher Humphreys writes, “More books have been written, more councils have been held, more creeds have been formulated, and more heresies have been rejected, to understand Jesus than to deal with any other aspect of Christian theology.” Christians believe his death, burial, and resurrection form the essential elements of eternal salvation for mankind. His death is the sacrifice for our sin. His burial is the entombment of our sin and sin’s past. His resurrection is the regeneration of who we are. If we are serious about a heavenly calling, we must carefully consider who he is and why his life and death provide salvation for us.
Dear Father, thank you for your grace and mercy. Thank you for Jesus Christ, the Apostle and High Priest of our faith. Enable us to be as faithful to him as he was to his appointed work. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Let us praise God for our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and live for his glory,
Pastor Smith