Today’s passage gives two names for Jesus: apostle and high priest. Let’s read the passage and consider why Jesus is called an “apostle.”

Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.

The word apostle means “one who is sent.” It describes a person authorized and commissioned to represent another person. Jesus is our apostle. He was sent from God as the Father’s representative on earth.

Jesus said that he did not come from heaven to do his will but the will of God who sent him (John 6:38). He taught that his work on earth had been explained in Scripture by the One who had sent him (John 5:37). Jesus’ purpose on earth was to please “him who sent me” (John 5:30), do God’s will, and accomplish his work (John 4:34). He declared that eternal life is given to “whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me” (John 5:24).

When Peter stepped out of the boat and started walking on the Sea of Galilee, he was good to go until he took his eyes off Jesus. His focus on the wind and waves initiated his descent into the water. The writer of Hebrews gives this simple yet profound instruction. . . we are to keep our minds focused on Jesus, our apostle, the One sent from God.

Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to provide the way to you.
In his name. Amen.