Jesus: Our Superior Hope and Fulfillment of Promises
Summary
The book of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is so much better—better than angels, better than Moses, better than the high priest, and even better than Abraham, the revered patriarch of Israel. Abraham is honored for his faith, obedience, and the promises God made to him, promises that shaped the identity and hope of the Jewish people. Yet, the author of Hebrews shows that while Abraham was a great man, God is greater, and Jesus, as God in the flesh, is the fulfillment and surpassing of all that Abraham represented.
God’s promises to Abraham were not based on Abraham’s merit, but on God’s own unchanging character. God swore by Himself, because there is no one greater. This means the promises are secure, not because of human faithfulness, but because of God’s faithfulness. The Jewish people clung to the hope of these promises, especially in times of oppression and uncertainty, believing God would restore them as a great nation. The question for them—and for us—is whether following Jesus means forfeiting those promises. The answer is a resounding no: Jesus is the fulfillment of those promises, not their replacement.
The comparison with Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king who blessed Abraham, further demonstrates Jesus’ superiority. Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, and Jesus is a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek—eternal, righteous, and the true King of Peace. Through Jesus, all nations are blessed, and the promises made to Abraham find their ultimate realization.
For us today, this means hope. Jesus is our anchor, our city of refuge, our forerunner into the very presence of God. When life is uncertain, when storms rage, when we feel tossed about, Jesus is the one we hold onto. He is the unchanging, faithful God who cannot lie, whose promises are sure. We are invited to come boldly into God’s presence, not because of our own merit, but because of what Jesus has done. The challenge is to truly believe and live as if Jesus is better than anything or anyone else—letting Him be our hope, our anchor, and our highest treasure.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Promises Rest on His Character, Not Ours
God’s promises to Abraham—and to us—are not earned by our faithfulness, but are guaranteed by God’s own unchanging nature. He swore by Himself, because there is no one greater, making His word utterly secure. Our hope is not in our ability to hold on, but in God’s ability to keep His word. This frees us from striving to earn God’s favor and invites us to rest in His faithfulness. [41:49]
- Jesus Is the Fulfillment, Not the Replacement, of God’s Promises
The Jewish believers feared that following Jesus meant abandoning the promises given to Abraham. In reality, Jesus is the fulfillment of those promises—He is the seed through whom all nations are blessed. The story of redemption is not about discarding the old, but about God bringing His purposes to completion in Christ. Our faith in Jesus connects us to the ancient hope and makes us heirs of God’s unbreakable covenant. [53:09]
- Jesus Is Our Anchor and Refuge in Life’s Storms
Life brings uncertainty, pain, and seasons where hope seems distant. Jesus is described as the anchor of our soul and our city of refuge—a place of safety and stability when everything else is shaking. Just as the city of refuge protected those in danger, and an anchor holds a ship steady in a storm, Jesus holds us fast and gives us hope that endures. Our security is not in circumstances, but in the steadfastness of Christ. [56:56]
- The Superiority of Jesus Calls for a Reordered Life
If Jesus truly is better than anything or anyone, this should radically shape our priorities, ambitions, and affections. It’s easy to say “Jesus is better,” but our lives often reveal what we value most—career, comfort, reputation, or tradition. The call is to examine whether our choices, investments, and pursuits reflect the surpassing worth of Christ, and to let Him have preeminence in all things. [01:04:49]
- Access to God’s Presence Is Our Greatest Privilege
Through Jesus, our high priest in the order of Melchizedek, we have direct access to the very presence of God. The veil is torn, and we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace. This is not a privilege earned by our performance, but a gift secured by Christ’s sacrifice. In every trial, temptation, or need, we can draw near to God, confident that He welcomes us and hears us. [01:00:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Community Events
[03:30] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[05:10] - Introduction to Hebrews: Jesus So Much Better
[07:00] - The Reverence for Abraham in Jewish Tradition
[10:00] - God’s Promises to Abraham
[14:11] - The Struggle of Jewish Hope and Gentile Captivity
[17:55] - Abraham’s Faith and the Sacrifice of Isaac
[21:49] - God’s Oath and the Unchangeable Promise
[25:48] - The Nature of God’s Promises and Oaths
[29:48] - Melchizedek: Greater Than Abraham
[34:31] - Jesus, the Priest in the Order of Melchizedek
[38:09] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of God’s Promises
[41:15] - Jesus Our Hope, Anchor, and Refuge
[46:00] - Living as if Jesus Is Better
[51:16] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Jesus Is So Much Better (Hebrews 6–7)
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### Bible Reading
Hebrews 6:13–20 (ESV)
> 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Genesis 22:15–18 (ESV)
> 15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, 18 and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Hebrews 7:1–3 (ESV)
> 1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 6:13–18, what two “unchangeable things” does the author say make God’s promise to Abraham secure?
2. In Genesis 22:16–18, what does God promise Abraham after he is willing to offer Isaac?
3. How does the author of Hebrews describe Melchizedek in Hebrews 7:1–3, and what makes him unique compared to other priests?
4. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the reason God’s promises are secure—not just for Abraham, but for us? [[41:49]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the author of Hebrews emphasize that God swore by Himself when making promises to Abraham? What does this reveal about God’s character and the security of His promises? [[41:49]]
2. The Jewish believers were afraid that following Jesus meant giving up the promises made to Abraham. How does the sermon explain that Jesus is actually the fulfillment, not the replacement, of those promises? [[53:09]]
3. The sermon compares Jesus to Melchizedek, calling Him a “priest forever.” What does it mean for Jesus to be our high priest in the order of Melchizedek, and why is this significant for us today? [[51:40]]
4. The pastor describes Jesus as our “anchor” and “city of refuge.” What do these images communicate about the kind of hope and security Jesus offers, especially in times of uncertainty? [[56:56]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says God’s promises rest on His character, not our performance. When you struggle with doubt or feel like you’ve failed, how does remembering God’s unchanging character help you? Can you share a time when this truth encouraged you? [[41:49]]
2. The Jewish believers worried that following Jesus meant losing their heritage or God’s promises. Are there things in your own background, family, or tradition that you fear “losing” if you follow Jesus wholeheartedly? How does knowing Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises change your perspective? [[53:09]]
3. The pastor described Jesus as our “anchor” in life’s storms. What are some current “storms” or uncertainties in your life? What would it look like for you to hold onto Jesus as your anchor this week? [[56:56]]
4. The sermon challenges us to live as if “Jesus is better than anything or anyone.” What are some things (career, comfort, reputation, tradition, etc.) that sometimes compete for first place in your life? How can you practically give Jesus preeminence in those areas? [[01:04:49]]
5. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence. When was the last time you took advantage of this privilege in a meaningful way? What keeps you from coming boldly to God, and how can you overcome those barriers? [[01:00:00]]
6. The pastor mentioned that it’s easy to say “Jesus is better,” but our lives often reveal what we truly value. What is one specific change you could make this week to show that Jesus is your highest treasure? [[01:04:49]]
7. The sermon talked about hope as something that keeps us moving forward. When you feel hopeless or discouraged, what practical steps can you take to remind yourself of the hope you have in Jesus? [[55:15]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you truly believe and live out the truth that Jesus is better than anything or anyone else, and to rest in His unchanging promises this week.
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Promises Are Rooted in His Own Unchanging Character
God’s promises to Abraham were not based on Abraham’s merit or actions, but on God’s own unchanging nature and truthfulness. When God made a promise to Abraham, He swore by Himself, since there was no one greater by whom to swear, demonstrating that His word is utterly reliable and unbreakable. This means that the foundation of our hope is not in our own faithfulness, but in the absolute faithfulness of God, who cannot lie and whose promises never fail. When we feel uncertain or unworthy, we can rest in the assurance that God’s commitments stand firm because of who He is, not because of what we do. [44:38]
Hebrews 6:13-18 (ESV)
For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop relying on your own faithfulness and instead trust in the unchanging character and promises of God?
Day 2: Jesus Is the Fulfillment and Anchor of Our Hope
Jesus is not only the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, but He is also our living hope and the anchor for our souls. Just as the Jewish people clung to the hope of God’s promise to Abraham, we are invited to cling to Jesus, who is our refuge and steadfast anchor in every storm. No matter what trials or uncertainties we face, Jesus offers us a hope that is sure and steadfast, rooted in His finished work and His eternal priesthood. When life feels overwhelming, we can run to Him as our city of refuge and hold fast to the hope He provides, knowing He will never fail us. [55:15]
Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV)
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Reflection: When you feel tossed by life’s storms, what would it look like for you to intentionally anchor your hope in Jesus today?
Day 3: Jesus Is Greater Than All—Even Our Greatest Heroes
Abraham was revered as the father of faith and the recipient of God’s promises, yet even he recognized someone greater in his own time—Melchizedek, a priest and king who prefigured Christ. Jesus is not just another figure in a long line of spiritual leaders; He is the ultimate fulfillment, the one who surpasses even the greatest heroes of faith. Unlike Abraham and his descendants, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal, and He alone is worthy of our highest devotion and trust. When we are tempted to place our hope in traditions, leaders, or our own achievements, we are reminded that Jesus is better than anyone or anything else. [53:09]
Hebrews 7:1-3 (ESV)
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
Reflection: Who or what are you tempted to elevate above Jesus in your heart, and how can you give Him preeminence in your life today?
Day 4: Jesus Invites Us into God’s Presence as Our High Priest
Because Jesus is our eternal high priest, we have direct access to the very presence of God—something that was impossible under the old covenant. The veil has been torn, and we are invited to come boldly before God’s throne of grace, not because of our own worthiness, but because of what Jesus has done for us. In every difficulty, trial, or moment of need, we can approach God with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us and welcomes us into intimate fellowship with the Father. [01:00:00]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (ESV)
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Reflection: What is one specific burden or need you can bring boldly to God’s throne today, trusting Jesus as your high priest?
Day 5: Living as If Jesus Is Truly Better Than Anything Else
If we truly believe that Jesus is better than anything or anyone else, it should radically shape the way we live, prioritize, and make decisions. Our time, energy, and affections should reflect the surpassing worth of knowing and serving Christ above all else—more than career, success, or even good things like family and tradition. The call is to examine whether our lives genuinely indicate that Jesus is our greatest treasure, and to ask God to help us make Him preeminent in every area. [01:06:16]
Philippians 3:7-8 (ESV)
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to reorient your priorities to show that Jesus is truly better than anything else?
Quotes
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