In Hebrews 3, we see the author continuing his great argument that Jesus Christ stands above all other revered figures from Israel’s history. Here, Moses—one of the most esteemed leaders in Scripture—serves as a comparison to highlight the supremacy of the Son. Within this chapter, we also find a weighty exhortation not to harden our hearts but to remain steadfast in faith. May the Spirit guide us as we “consider Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1, New International Version) with reverence and awe.
“Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house.”
– New International Version
For Jewish Christians in the first century, Moses was more than a historical figure: he was God’s chosen prophet who led Israel out of Egypt, gave them the Law, and spoke to God “face to face” (Exodus 33:11). To say that Christ surpasses Moses was no small claim. This is where Hebrews 3 is both comforting and challenging.
• The Greek verb translated as “fix your thoughts on” or “consider”
in 3:1 is “κατανοέω” (katanoeó), meaning “to observe carefully” or “to
focus on deeply.” We are called to give our full, unwavering attention
to Jesus.
• Verse 6 emphasizes that believers constitute God’s house—and Christ is
the Son over this house. Moses certainly served faithfully, but only the
Son has full authority.
• In Jewish tradition, Moses was esteemed almost as angelic in
stature (considering his radiant face in Exodus 34). Understanding that
Christ is greater places Him in the fullness of divine majesty.
• Texts from Qumran (Dead Sea Scrolls) show how meticulously some Jewish
communities guarded Mosaic regulations. For them, Moses was the ultimate
mediator. Hebrews now directs that devotion toward Christ, God’s final
and superior spokesman.
• Numbers 12:7 – Moses as faithful in all God’s house.
• John 5:46 – Jesus says that Moses wrote about Him.
Let your confidence in Jesus be unshakeable. No matter how worthy our heroes of faith may be, they serve only to point us to the One who is the radiance of God’s glory. Reflect on whether your heart is fixed on Him—truly and consistently.
“So, as the Holy Spirit says: ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…’”
– New International Version
In these verses, the author quotes extensively from Psalm 95: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” By recalling the Israelites who rebelled in the wilderness, the text warns believers not to repeat that same disobedience. The wilderness rebellion (see Exodus 17 and Numbers 14) stemmed from unbelief, leading to an entire generation missing out on the Promised Land.
• “Harden your hearts” is a vivid phrase in Greek (“μὴ σκληρύνητε τὰς
καρδίας” – mē sklērynēte tas kardias), evoking the image of stubborn or
calloused hearts. It points to an ongoing condition of resisting God’s
voice.
• The result of that rebellion was God’s solemn declaration: “They shall
never enter my rest.” This “rest” (Greek: κατάπαυσις, katapausis) is a
concept that Hebrews will later develop more fully in chapter 4,
pointing beyond the literal Promised Land to the spiritual rest found in
Christ.
• Excavations in regions around Sinai have uncovered ancient
encampments, giving us glimpses of how the Israelites may have lived
during their wilderness wanderings. These findings remind us that these
biblical accounts are rooted in real history—real people with real
failures.
• Western audiences often focus on the physical journey out of Egypt but
can overlook the depth of the spiritual crisis Israel faced. Their
hearts were tested, and many hardened themselves to God’s miraculous
care.
• Psalm 95:7–11 – The very text quoted here.
• 1 Corinthians 10:1–5 – Paul recounts Israel’s failures as a warning
for believers.
Ask the Holy Spirit to keep your heart soft and responsive. Reflect on whether there are any areas in your life where unbelief might be causing you to resist God’s leading. Remember that “today” is the day to hear and obey.
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart… But encourage one another daily…”
– New International Version
The concluding section of Hebrews 3 not only warns us but also gives a practical remedy for avoiding a hardened heart: mutual encouragement. Believers are called to watch out for each other “so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (v. 13).
• Collective responsibility. Christianity was never meant to be a
solitary path. We are responsible for helping each other remain
vigilant.
• Unbelief—described here as “sinful” or wicked—occurs when faith fades
and we fail to trust in God’s promises. The author equates unbelief with
disobedience; in biblical thinking, to truly believe God is to align
one’s life with His Word.
• John Calvin, a major Reformer, noted that Christians nurture one
another in faith through daily correction and encouragement: “For as the
exhortation of the saints is a help to perseverance, so also the neglect
of this duty brings ruin.”
• John Chrysostom, an Early Church Father, taught that community support
is vital for overcoming sin’s subtle voice, emphasizing that we stand
strongest when we stand together.
• Repetition of “today” emphasizes urgency. The text confronts
readers with a choice that must be made now, not tomorrow or at some
later time.
• The author employs questions (v. 16–18) to drive the warning home,
prompting the community to examine themselves honestly, just as Israel
should have.
• Galatians 6:1–2 – The call to bear one another’s burdens.
• Philippians 2:12 – Working out our salvation in mutual
accountability.
Remember that faith thrives in community. Who are you encouraging today, and who encourages you? Let us come alongside each other in prayer and love, standing firm in the promises of God.
Jesus as Superior to Moses
Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, but Christ rules over
the house as the Son.
The Danger of a Hardened Heart
The Israelites in the wilderness serve as a sobering example. We are to
heed the Spirit’s voice and respond in faith rather than
rebellion.
The Call to Daily Encouragement
An antidote to unbelief is an active faith community, where believers
strengthen one another continually.
“Today” as a Moment of Decision
Each day is a fresh invitation to trust God, and a new warning not to
fall into complacency.
Consider singing or listening to “He Leadeth Me.” Its lyrics capture the theme of trusting God’s guidance through all of life’s desert places. As you reflect on Hebrews 3, let the refrain—“He leadeth me, He leadeth me, by His own hand He leadeth me”—remind you that Jesus is the faithful guide, greater than Moses, leading us toward our ultimate rest.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending Your Son, who surpasses even Moses in His
faithfulness and authority. Guard us against the subtlety of unbelief.
Keep our hearts alive, open to Your voice, and ever ready to encourage
one another. May we walk in unity and humility, clinging to the hope of
Your promised rest.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus, Amen.