Jesus is greater!

In the opening of the book of Hebrews, the author sets the tone with a powerful statement: Jesus is greater. Greater than the prophets, greater than angels, and greater than any revelation that came before Him. For many early Jewish Christians, this was a message they desperately needed to hear. They were struggling, persecuted, and tempted to return to their former ways. The old traditions and laws provided comfort, but the writer of Hebrews emphasizes one truth: Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God.

Through Jesus, we see the full expression of God’s glory and nature. The prophets delivered God’s words, the angels carried messages from heaven, but Jesus is God’s Word in human form. He didn’t just bring a message; He is the message. Jesus radiates God’s glory, expresses His character, and holds everything together with His power. In Him, we find the complete picture of who God is, and we are invited to draw near to Him.

So, what does this mean for us today? Just like the early believers, we face challenges and temptations that can make us question our faith. We might be tempted to fall back into old routines, comfortable traditions, or rely on religious actions to get us through. But Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is greater than all of these. He’s greater than the routines we once held dear and the supernatural experiences we seek. He invites us into a relationship—not a set of rules—and calls us to stay committed to Him alone. Let’s choose relationship over religion and allow our faith in Jesus to shape our daily lives.

How to Grow in Your Relationship with Jesus
As we reflect on the message from Hebrews, we’re reminded that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, and we’re encouraged to grow deeper in our relationship with Him. Here are some practical ways to make that happen:

1. Stay committed to your faith in Jesus alone. It’s easy to be tempted to fall back into old habits or rely on religious actions, but Jesus invites us to trust Him with everything.
2. Avoid the rut of religious legalism. Our faith is not about rules or rituals. It’s about knowing Jesus personally and allowing Him to lead us.
3. Develop a sacred routine. Whether it’s spending a few minutes in prayer, reading Scripture, or practicing gratitude, these small habits help nurture your relationship with Jesus over time.
4. Embrace the slow burn. Just like a fire that warms a home through slow-burning embers, our relationship with Jesus grows steadily when we establish consistent, meaningful spiritual habits.

Jesus Is Greater Than What We Hold Onto
The Jewish Christians in Hebrews faced real struggles, just as we do today. They had grown up honoring prophets, angels, and religious traditions, which were powerful symbols of faith for them. But the writer of Hebrews challenges them—and us—to recognize that Jesus is greater than anything we might cling to for security or identity.

Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the fulfillment of their messages. He’s greater than the angels because He didn’t just carry a message; He is God’s message. He’s greater than religious traditions because He has made a new covenant with us, one based on relationship and not on following laws. Jesus is the full expression of God’s glory, and He invites us to experience Him personally.

Let’s Choose Relationship Over Religion
What does this look like in our everyday lives? It’s simple, yet powerful: choose relationship over religion. Instead of relying on old habits or seeking grand, emotional experiences, start with something small. Open your Bible before your phone. Take five minutes each day to talk with Jesus. Notice His presence in the world around you and thank Him for it. These small steps help us develop a deeper, more consistent relationship with Jesus.

As you grow in this relationship, you’ll find that Jesus holds everything together, just as Hebrews 1:3 says. You don’t need to search for sensational experiences or special revelations. Jesus is enough. He’s the glue that holds the universe together, and He’s the One who sustains you.

A Few Practical Next Steps

• Start a new routine: Spend time each day with Jesus. It could be five minutes of prayer, gratitude journaling, or reading Scripture.
• Give thanks: Notice God’s creation and express your appreciation to Jesus for the small things in life.
• Live generously: Give back to Jesus in some way—whether it’s financially, through words of encouragement, or by being kind to others.
• Be intentional with relationships: Tell your loved ones you love them regularly. Share the love of Jesus in small but meaningful ways.

Remember, the slow, steady routines will keep the fire of your faith burning even through the cold seasons of life.

Jesus Is Greater—So Let’s Stay Close to Him
As we continue studying Hebrews, let’s remind ourselves that Jesus is greater than anything else that might try to capture our attention. He’s greater than religious traditions, greater than supernatural moments, and greater than our own efforts. So, let’s press into a relationship with Him. Let’s choose consistency over spectacle. Let’s embrace the slow burn of daily faithfulness over momentary excitement. And above all, let’s remember that Jesus holds everything together—even when life feels like it’s falling apart.

Jesus is greater. So, grow close to Him.

- Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 9/15/24.