Consider Jesus

October 13th, 2025
by Dr. Lance Waldie

Hebrews 3:1 Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.

Having established from the Jewish Scriptures Jesus’ superiority over angels, the author of Hebrews draws another conclusion in 3:1-6 much like the one in 2:1-4 with the word “therefore.” The conclusion he makes draws from his previous discussion in Hebrews, chapters 1-2.

The audience is addressed as “holy brethren.” The word “holy, meaning set apart; sanctified, refers back to 2:11 where Jesus, the Sanctifier, made them holy through His death on the cross. In so doing, Jesus was able to call them “brethren.” They were holy through faith in Jesus who sanctified them; they were brothers because Jesus took on flesh, suffering and dying for them. Their holiness spoke nothing of their quality of life; it speaks of their position in salvation. The author apparently knew that some who read his words were not saved, but he addressed them according to their profession of faith, not based upon his own opinion of their spiritual condition.

The second way the author refers to his audience in 3:1 is as “partakers of a heavenly calling.” Partakers is sometimes translated “partners,” other times as “companions” in the NT. It speaks of one who is associated with others in a common task or circumstance. In this context, it speaks of those associated with Jesus Christ—holy brethren. All of these associates, who truly know Jesus as Lord, have received a “heavenly calling”—God’s calling. This calling is a reference to God beckoning folks for salvation. It is not an invitation to receive eternal life; it is a summons to eternal life throughout the NT. Over and over in the NT “calling” is indicative of God’s election and His predestination of a person to receive eternal life. Though this can be a difficult concept to grasp, it fits nicely with the fact that Jesus accomplished all things needed for salvation by Himself. He was born from a virgin, lived a sinless life, suffered as man suffered, tasted death for mankind, and was resurrected. He did everything, even sanctifying His holy brethren. His calling is thus effectual in His brethren. And since He did the sanctifying (2:11), He is also to be given all glory for man’s salvation. God calls, and His elect children respond.

In light of this deep truth, it is notable that the writer would have to encourage his audience to “consider Jesus”—give careful thought to Jesus, the Greek phrase signifying urgency. Yet after all Jesus has done, why would a Christian need a reminder to consider Him? The answer is that the audience was drifting (2:1), hesitating in their commitment to Jesus. One cannot flippantly trust in Jesus and drift away without being urgently called back to living faithfully for Him. This appeal is urgent because the penalty for failure is so dire (cf. 10:26-27).

Interestingly, the writer continues to call Jesus Christ simply Jesus. One of his main themes is Christ’s humanity: He lived among us, suffered for us, died in our place, and He prays for us (Rom. 8:34) as one who completely understands our needs. No wonder the author follows up by calling Jesus “the Apostle and High Priest of our confession.” Jesus is the Apostle (literally “sent one”) because He was sent to mankind to help him. And he is High Priest because He mediates all of man’s sins. Jesus is therefore the author and center-point for the Christian’s testimony.

Food For Thought
The Christian life can be lonely, even barren at times. Our situations sometimes beg for a friend to be present to listen to us, and at times we might give anything for such a friend. But they are not always available. We must thus consider Jesus! He alone knows exactly how we feel, and He understands. If you feel lonely in the midst of despair, Jesus is only a prayer away. Consider Him right now. Your family and friends are not apostles sent for you, and they don’t bear your weaknesses like our High Priest. Consider Jesus as an urgency in your life today.