His Distinguished Name

The Son achieved the “purification of sins,” and thus, he qualified to “sit down at the right hand of the majesty on high” where he mediates as the high priest for his people. Additionally, he inherited a “more distinguished name,” namely, that of “Son.”

The letter to the Hebrews uses several comparisons to demonstrate the superiority of Jesus over all persons and things that preceded him. His priesthood, covenant, and sacrifice have completed what the Levitical sacrifices and rituals could not, and he has received even more honor and authority than the great lawgiver himself, Moses.

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Supremacy of the Son

The letter to the Hebrews is addressed to a congregation facing pressure from outsiders. Some members are contemplating withdrawing from the assembly and returning to the local synagogue. The letter presents arguments for why doing so will have catastrophic consequences.

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THE TRUE LIGHT

Jesus is the only true light in the world, a light that shines all the brighter in the darkness, and this light means life for men and women.

According to the apostle John, “life” is found in the “word,” and that life is the “light of men.” And at present, it is “shining in the darkness,” and the darkness “cannot seize” or suppress it. This same “word” has been “made flesh” in Jesus – In him, the glory and life of God have been truly and fully manifested. Moreover, his disciples are summoned to “testify” of the light in this dark world.

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JESUS REVEALS THE FATHER

The fullness and truth of God are unveiled in the Word made Flesh, namely, Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified Messiah – John 1:14-18.

The prologue to John’s gospel introduces several key themes – Life, Light, Witness, Truth, and Grace.  Jesus is the Light of the world, the source of Grace and Truth, the True Tabernacle, the only born Son of God, and the only one who has seen the Father.  It concludes by declaring that he is the only one who is qualified to interpret the unseen God.

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HIDDEN MYSTERIES UNVEILED

God’s previously hidden mysteries are now revealed in Jesus, and especially so in his death and resurrection.

The Bible speaks of the “mysteries” of God, His ways that are hidden from human wisdom and defy our expectations. In his teachings, Jesus declared that not everyone can understand the “mysteries of the kingdom.” It is God who reveals the deep and obscure things to whomever He pleases. And in His Son, He has done so for all who have “eyes that can see.”

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