Hebrews 3:1
Focus
on Jesus

This verse from the book of Hebrews tells us to consider Jesus Christ. The Greek word for consider is ‘katanoeo’, which comes from ‘kata’ (down from, according to) and ‘noeo’ (to perceive, to think). So it means to think from up to down, starting at the big picture and reaching down to a conclusion. In this verse, it is translated in many different ways: fix your thoughts on, think carefully about, consider, set your minds on, keep your focus on, and look carefully at. So if we consider ourselves holy brethren (separated to God) and partakers of the heavenly calling (whatever that means) we have to focus on Jesus.

Why should we do that? Well, our verse starts with a therefore, so it gives a reason for something that was stated earlier. The previous verses read:

Hebrews 2:17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Jesus was in all things like us. This is one of the hardest things to understand about Christianity, that Jesus was both fully human and also fully God. While walking on earth, even though He was God, he humbled himself by becoming a human (Eph 2:5-9). Because He was fully human, yet without sin, He was able to save us. Verse 17 mentions that Jesus made propitiation for our sins. He graciously and mercifully paid the penalty for our sins so that we ourselves no longer have to die for them. Verse 18 states that He can aid us. The word for ‘aid’ in Hebrews 2:18 is ‘to run to the cry of those in danger’. When we are in trouble, we can call out to Jesus for help. He saves us, both in small things and in the big picture.

In our verse above, Jesus is called ‘apostolos’, which means a messenger, someone sent on a mission. He is also called High Priest. The High Priest served in the temple to bring the people to God. Jesus’ mission in His role as High Priest was to bring people into a relationship with God. He is the High Priest of our confession. The Greek word for confession is ‘homologia’, from ‘homou’ (the same, together) and ‘lego’ (to speak, to say). Jesus is the High Priest of the things we speak the same about, the beliefs that we Christians hold together. He is the High Priest of Christianity.

Does this mean that everything is ok now, since Christ is our High Priest? Yes, but only if we keep our focus on Him, steadfast until the end. 

Hebrews 3:14 For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end

So, as you go through your day today, keep your focus on Jesus. He saved you from eternal death and is able to help you with whatever you face today. Tomorrow, do the same thing, and then continue each day, for the rest of your life.

Godspeed!