Hebrews 3: True Rest

Hebrews 3
There are few things I enjoy more than resting. It allows me time to recharge and relax. Hebrews chapter 3 deals primarily with Jesus, as the rest for the wanderers in the desert that they missed when they were following Moses. It’s the rest that everyone in the world needs. A rest from striving for perfection. A rest from anxiety, fear, and doubt.


The writer of Hebrews now focuses on Jesus’ supremacy to the greatest prophet of Judaism, Moses. Moses was the man who “spoke with God, face to face, as a man speaks to his friend” (Ex. 33:11). Moses was the one whom the came though to the people, and to the people of Israel the Law and Moses were synonymous. Even as great as Moses was, Jesus is far greater, of infinitely greater importance. Moses was just part of God plan, just a part of the community or house that was being built. (Heb 3:2-5)

The writer now draws the attention of the readers and us to consider Jesus. To give complete and total attention to the superiority of Christ. The law cannot save, religious effort cannot accomplish what Christ has won for us on the cross. Only through Christ can we experience the fullness of Gods plan for us.

Moses was simply a man used by God to point to Christ. He worked in cooperation with God to prepare for Christ coming. Now we can experience the fullness of rest that God has promised. There is a stern warning in this passage to not miss what God has provided by being distracted with something else. God has called you through Jesus to salvation. Don't let your flesh your your worldly mind distract you from this truth. There is no other way except that which goes through Christ.


Matthew 11:28-30 says “28 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus is callus to find rest from our fruitless and unending effort to save our selves by our own works. Specifically, here in Hebrews, to be saved from the requirements of the law. In our spiritual poverty it is impossible to ever achieve what the law demands, and until you realize your own efforts won’t save you, you will continue to wander with a heavy burden.
The call is to come fully to Christ. To find “rest for our souls”. To permanently rest in God’s grace offered through Christ that is apart from works.

My prayer is that everyone who reads this will truly experience what is taught n this passage. There is a rest for your weary wanderer. Where the outcome is not based on your actions or achievements. You can take the gloves of and stop fighting in your own power and rest in our beautiful savior.

Pastor Max Myers
Living Word Evangelical Free Church
Elmira, NY