Hebrews 3

Whereas Hebrews began by stating Christ's exalted position:
1. Heir of all things
2. Universe made through Him
3. Radiance of God's glory
4. exact representation of His being
5. Sustainer of all things
6. Sitting at right hand of the Majesty
7. Superior to angels

The first section of Hebrews ended by stating His humble position:
1. Was made lower than the angels
2. Suffered death
3. Was made perfect through suffering
4. Shared in man's humanity
5. Was tempted

That is, Hebrews corresponds with Philipians 2:6-7

In chapter 3, then, we are shown the superiority of Christ in some other ways:

1. Jesus is the ULTIMATE APOSTLE
---He is the truly 'sent-one' (John 5:23, 10:36)
---Compare with 1 Cor. 1:10-17

2. Jesus is the ULTIMATE HIGH PRIEST
---Compare with Hebrews 7:26-28

3. Jesus is the ULTIMATE BUILDER
---In fact, Moses was building in preparation for Him
---Moses was excellent IN God's house
---Jesus is excellent OVER God's house

4. Jesus is the ULTIMATE SON
---We are servants who can become sons
---But Jesus is the Son who became a servant

Chapter 3 also serves to exalt Christ's work over that of Moses, who's fame approached worship in Judaism.

The author quotes Psalm 95:7-11, which reminded them that...
1. Israel didn't always honor Moses (Numbers 20:3-5)
---That generation grumbled in the desert
---That generation did not enter the promised land
2. Moses didn't always honor God (Numbers 20:8-12)

The writer of Hebrews is comparing THAT generation, to the generation of his readers
1. Both generations have a choice whether to listen to their leader
---Would ancient Hebrews trust Moses who had saved them from their enemy (Egypt)
---Would 1st century Hebrews trust Christ who had saved them from their enemy (Sin)
2. Both generations face severe penalties if they refuse to listen
---Ancient Hebrews faced 40 years and no promised land
---1st century Hebrews faced 40 years and the desolation of Jerusalem