The Book of Hebrews is a master class in showing us how Jesus is greater . . . greater than the angels, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, material wealth, work, relationships, the Law, the priests, sacrifices, death, and anything else we put in our forefront. For the next seven weeks, we will explore just how much greater Jesus is and why this matters to our faith.  

October 7 | Hebrews 1:1-4 | Greater Than: Angels

“In many fashions and many fractions, God speaks.” This is the opening to the Book of Hebrews. It sets the stage for how God operates in the world in order to position that Jesus is the new way in which God communicates and engages in human lives. This sermon explores the effort of the preacher in Hebrews and sets the stage for how Jesus is greatest, clearest manifestation of God’s engagement in the world.  

October 14 | Hebrews 4:1-13 | Greater Than: Work

Sabbath should not be optional. It reallocates and reorients our energies back to a more sustainable lifestyle . . . but not everyone participates in Sabbath. Instead, we work. We do more. We go to work early and stay late. But Sabbath brings us back to a relationship with Jesus . . . and according to the preacher in Hebrews, Jesus should be greater than our work. 

October 21 | Hebrews 4:14-5:10 | Greater Than: Priests

The role of priest in Antiquity must be understood. They stood in the gaps for people’s sins and their right relationships with the community. Their role was of the most importance. Yet, Jesus is even greater. Even more important. This sermon will illustrate how. 

October 28 | Hebrews 7:23-28 | Greater Than: Law

The Law of Moses is what separated the good people from the bad. The law kept order and a systematic religion moving forward. At the time, to follow the Law was to be close to God, but now we have a new way to draw towards God . . . we have Jesus. 

November 4 | Hebrews 9:11-14 | Greater Than: Sacrifices 

Part of the weekly and monthly rhythms of early Christians was to make sacrifices in the Temple for sins. Sacrificing animals to atone for wrongdoing is an ancient practice; one in which Jesus has made obsolete. We don’t need to sacrifice animals since Jesus is the ultimate sacrificial lamb.

November 11 | Hebrews 9:24-28 | Greater Than: Death

Death is bigger than us. When it comes for our loved ones, it leaves us feeling wounded. Luckily, though, we have a truth that transcends death. Because Jesus endured and absorbed death itself, we now know that Jesus is even greater than death itself. 

November 18 | Hebrews 10:11-25 | Greater Than: Sin 

Our sins do not keep us from God. We used to think they did but not anymore. Jesus’ “blood” (used as a metaphor), allows us the freedom to approach the sanctuary of God with boldness and confidence because the love of Jesus is greater than our sin.