The Greatest of All Time: Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus

In the realm of sports, debates about the "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) are commonplace. Whether it's tennis legends like Roger Federer and Serena Williams, or basketball icons like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, fans passionately argue over who truly deserves the title. But when it comes to matters of faith, there's one figure who stands above all others - Jesus Christ.

For centuries, the Jewish people revered Moses as their greatest hero. After all, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and delivered the Ten Commandments. His legacy was unparalleled. Yet, the book of Hebrews presents a compelling case for why Jesus is even greater than Moses.

Jesus is described as both our apostle and high priest. As an apostle, He was sent by God not just for a moment in time, but to bring salvation for all people for all eternity. While Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of physical bondage, Jesus came to free humanity from the slavery of sin. His mission wasn't limited to a specific group or era - it extends to every person who has ever lived or will live.

As our high priest, Jesus surpasses all who came before Him. In ancient Israel, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies once a year to make atonement for the people's sins. It was a perilous task, with strict protocols to follow. But when Jesus died on the cross, the veil separating the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom, symbolizing that He had opened the way for all believers to approach God directly. Now, Jesus intercedes for us at the right hand of the Father, serving as our eternal mediator.

The writer of Hebrews uses a powerful analogy to illustrate Jesus' superiority: "For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses - as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself." While Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, Jesus is the Son over God's house. He is both the architect and the builder of our faith.

This truth should profoundly impact how we live our lives. We are called to "fix our thoughts on Jesus" and make Him the focus of all we do. In a world full of distractions vying for our attention, we must intentionally center our minds on Christ. This isn't just a Sunday morning activity, but a daily practice that should permeate every aspect of our lives - from our work and relationships to our personal time and decision-making.

However, the path of faith isn't always smooth. The book of Hebrews includes a sobering warning against unbelief, reminding readers of how the Israelites, despite witnessing God's mighty acts, still grumbled and doubted. Their unbelief ultimately cost them entry into the Promised Land - God's place of rest.

It's crucial to understand that doubt itself isn't the enemy. God can handle our questions and wrestlings. The danger lies in an unbelieving heart that refuses to trust in what Jesus has done, or that grumbles against God's provision. When we build our confidence on anything other than Christ - be it rules, traditions, or our own efforts - we risk missing out on the rest and peace He offers.

This is why community is so vital to our faith journey. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "encourage one another daily." Our walk with Christ was never meant to be a solo endeavor. We need the Holy Spirit working within us, but we also need fellow believers to spur us on, especially during times of weakness or doubt.

In our individualistic culture, it's tempting to isolate ourselves. But isolation breeds unbelief. While moments of solitude for prayer and reflection are valuable, we must resist the urge to cut ourselves off from Christian community. Who are you encouraging in their faith? And who is encouraging you?

As we reflect on the supremacy of Christ, let's remember that He is not just another great religious figure or moral teacher. He is the Son of God, the radiance of God's glory, and the exact representation of His being. Where Moses reflected God's glory, Jesus is the very embodiment of that glory.

The challenge for us is clear: Fix our eyes on Jesus. Hold fast to our faith, not through sheer willpower, but by engaging deeply with the Holy Spirit and with our fellow believers. Let's encourage one another daily to remain faithful and to bring glory to Christ through our lives.

In a world that constantly debates greatness, let's confidently proclaim that Jesus Christ is the true GOAT - the Greatest of All Time. He is the author and perfecter of our faith, the one who has done what no other could do. As we focus on Him and encourage others to do the same, we'll find the strength, purpose, and rest our souls long for.

May we never lose sight of this profound truth: Jesus is greater. Greater than our heroes, greater than our traditions, greater than our doubts, and greater than anything this world has to offer. Let's live in light of His greatness today and every day.