Advent in Hebrews: The Better King // Pastor Michele Arndt // Dec 22 2024

The story of the Old Testament describes how God’s people demanded a human king only to experience the ache of kings who fell short of righteous rule. The birth of Jesus brought the Messiah who would save people from their sins, and One who would forever rule in justice and righteousness.The Angel Gabriel confirmed this by telling Mary, "He will rule over Jacob's house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom." (Lk. 1:33) During our Advent series, we have peeked through the pen of the anonymous author of Hebrews to see how Jesus fulfills a unique place for God’s people as the better prophet and priest. Much of Hebrews explains why this is true. In the past, God spoke to his people through the human prophets, but now Jesus, as the better prophet, becomes both the message and messenger. In the past, God mediated his presence through human priests, but now he mediates his perfect presence through Jesus, who is the Great High Priest. The promise that holds all of this together is that Jesus is the better and final King.