The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 101

HOMILETIUS. Ver. 1.-0onsider Jesw. The exhortation of thls verse marks the transition from the first section of the treatise to those which follow. Its reference is both retrospecLive aud prospective. Indeed, the whole Epistle says in effect, "Consider what is written hereiu concerning Jesus; for he is greater than the prophets, greater than the angels, greater than Moses and Joshua, greater than Aaron, and pre-eminent among the heroes of faith." I. A DESCRIPl'ION OF CHRIST, 1. The " .Apostle" of the gospel. Jesus, the Son of God (and no longer prophets or angels), is now the Divine Ambassador to men. God has sent him to us, as he sent Moses (Exod. iii.) to the ancient Israelites (eh. iii.; iv. 1-13). It is singularly· appropriate that Christ, the Sent of God, should be called God's" .Apostle." 2. The" High Priest" of the Church. As our Mediator, Jesus draws near to God for us. He expiates, propitiates, reconciles, and intercedes (eh. iv. 14-- x. 18). Through Christ, a:s Apostle, God holds intercourse with us; and through Christ, as High Priest, we hold intercourse with God. II. A DESCRIPTION OF CHRIST'S PEOPLE. 1. "Holy brethren.n This phrase evidently looks back to eh. ii. 11 and following verses. Believers are so styled on account of their common oneness with Christ, their Sanctifier and elder Brother. 2. "Partakers of a heavenly calling." This refers to the sovereign gift of regeneration, and of the blessings flowing from it, which all believers have received. The "calling" is "heavenly," because it has come from heaven; it creates heaven within us; and it con- ducts to heaven. 3. Confessors of Christ. Jesus expects his peoplo to make an open and proud avowal of attachment to him as their Teacher and Priest. Believers confess him by connecting themselves with his Church, by sitting at hls table of communion, by defending his honour, by spreading his truth, and especially by reflecting his likeness in their lives. III. A DUTY OF CHRIST'S PEOPLE TOWARDS mu. Christianity centres in Christ; in fact, Christ himself is Christianity. Personal religion does not consist in any merely intellectual acceptance of gospel truth; it is a life of loving devotion to the living Saviour. How necessary, then, that we" consider Jesus," earnestly, intensely, habitually, and make the study of him the main interest and business of life! W o must " consider " him: 1. To lcnow him. We are saved through faith in Christ; but knowledge is necessary in order to faith. If we would know the Iledeemer in his Person, natures, offices, and work, we must " consider" him. 2. To love him. .A Christian is one who loves Uhrist; but this love will fill his heart only in so for as he gazes admiringly upon tbo God-Man, who loved him and gave himself for him. 3. To serve him. If wo truly love Christ as our Saviour, this love will control and dominate our life. But, in order to know his will, our" eyes" must always" look unto the hand of our Master." 4. To become like him. Sanctification can be effected only by always "looking unto Jesus" for mercy and grace and aid, until we finally attain the prize of the heavenly calling. CoNCLUBION. This subject suggests a test of character. Do I belon~ to the holy brotherhood? Have I accepted the heavenly calhug? Do I confeS!I Christ with my lip and in my life? Is the contemplation of Jesus my most cherished desire? Vers. 2-6.-0hriat greater than Moses. It was a delicate thing to utter such :i. thought even to many of tbe Jews who had embraced Christianity, for the whole Hebrew nation guarded with intense jealousy the name and fame of Moses. But tho writer acknowledges to the full the lofty dignity and splendid services of the ancient lawgiver, and then proceeds to show that Jesus Christ has been cou.nted worthy of still greater honour. 92 THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [OH, Ill, 1-19,