In the book of Hebrews, we see a recurring theme about how everything concerning Jesus is “better than” what has come before.
As it says in Hebrews 7:19:
“…(for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we
draw near to God.”
And what is that “better hope”? It’s Jesus. And Jesus has
also “become the guarantor of a better covenant” [Heb. 7:22] which is “established
on better promises” [Heb. 8:6], and is
purified “with better sacrifices.” [Heb. 9:23]
His New Covenant is better than the Old Covenant because it’s
unconditional and everlasting. His promises are better because they are all “yes
and amen” in Christ. [2 Cor. 1:20] His sacrifices are better because he “desires
mercy, not sacrifice” [Matt. 9:13]
Because of this, we who have entered into this New Covenant can
more easily “suffer along with those in prison and joyfully accept the
confiscation of our property, because [we] know that we [have] better and lasting possessions.” [Heb.
10:34]
Our treasure is in heaven, where our hearts are also, and we
seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness rather than material gain or
earthly prosperity. [See Matt. 6]
We are
also “longing for a better country” [Heb. 11:6] and “an even better resurrection.” [Heb. 11:35]
These are accessible only through Jesus. He enables us to
enter the Kingdom of God here and now, not just on the day we die. He
guarantees a better resurrection which is eternal and sure.
The Old Covenant, which is now “obsolete” [Heb. 8:13] has
been fulfilled because “…Jesus [is] the mediator of a new covenant” and His
blood “speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” [Heb.
12:24]
Abel’s blood cried out to God from the ground for vengeance
on his brother Cain who killed him, but the blood of Jesus cries out, “Father,
forgive them, for they know not what they do” and that mercy and grace and love
are so much better than mere justice.
Yes, in all ways, Jesus is “Better Than” what has come
before. Jesus gives us a better hope, a better covenant, better promises,
better sacrifices, better possessions, a better country, a better resurrection
and a better word – “love” – than anyone or anything else could ever give us.
What could be better than Jesus?
Nothing!
“Because
your love is better than life, my lips
will glorify you.” [Ps. 63:3]
-kg
**
READ THE REST OF THIS SERIES:
Hebrews in a nutshell:
Jesus is greater than the prophets (Hebrews 1:1–4). Jesus is greater than the angels (Hebrews 1:5–2:17). Jesus is greater than the priests (Hebrews 2:18–3:2). Jesus is greater than Moses (Hebrews 3:3–4:13). Jesus is greater than Melchizedek (Hebrews 4:14–7:28). Jesus is greater than the Old Covenant (Hebrews 8:1–9:28). Jesus is greater than the Law (Hebrews 10:1–39). We must therefore remain faithful to Jesus (Hebrews 11:1–13:25).
*Thanks to Chuck McKnight for compiling this list.
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