Jesus Is Better

MJ or LeBron? Sports fans have an obsession with debating and deliberating over who should be crowned the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in the realm of basketball. If you ask me, I tend to think that LeBron would win a game of 1-on-1, but when it comes to who is the better player in the game of 5-on-5 basketball (and who I would want on my team), I can’t deny the crown from “His Airness.” While the debate on who is a better basketball player will never be settled, the question of who is better for mankind has unequivocally been determined forevermore. Consider the line of reasoning from the writer of Hebrews:

Jesus is better than the prophets and angels (Heb. 1:1-14)

While the prophets of old spoke on behalf of God, Jesus is God (Jn. 1:1). Whereas the prophets had limited scope and knowledge as they communicated the things that were entrusted to them, with Jesus, the very mind of God is present (1 Cor. 2:6-16). What’s more, while the angels are heavenly beings that are oft admired and wondered about, Jesus is the very creator of all beings (Col. 1:16). In fact, the angels are said to worship Him (Heb. 1:6).

Jesus stands as a better high priest (Heb. 7:7)

The high priests of old were not sinless and had to offer sacrifices even for their own sin. But Jesus? He was the perfect sacrifice and He is the perfect High Priest. Furthermore, the sacrifice that He offered was forever and no more must be offered (Heb. 7:26-28). But that’s not all: He’s merciful and faithful (Heb. 2:17); He’s eternal (Heb. 7:25); and He’s sympathetic (Heb. 4:14-16).

Jesus offers a better hope (Heb. 7:19)

The writer of Hebrews was writing to a people who were considering returning to following the Old Law. The writer instead encourages them to see that the better hope is only found in Christ. With Christ, the Christian not only has the hope of his sins being covered, but of the opportunity to enter within the veil of the most holy place because of our better High Priest (Heb. 6:19-20).

Jesus established a better covenant with better promises (Heb. 7:22; 8:6)

The Old Covenant was faulty – not because God made something that was improper – but because it did not contain the necessary sacrifice for sins. It was only to last until Christ came. The old covenant was not intended to last but was to point to the Christ that would come to institute the perfect covenant (Gal. 3:24-25).

Jesus served as a better sacrifice (Heb. 9:23)

Whereas it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sin (Heb. 10:4), through the blood of Jesus we can be made holy and sanctified (Heb. 10:10). Even greater still, bulls and goats had to be offered year after year, but Christ’s sacrifice is made “once for all time” (Heb. 10:10).

Jesus promises a better inheritance (Heb. 10:34)

Of all of the things that this world seems to offer, none compares to the better and abiding possession that is found in Christ – that of eternal life (Heb. 10:34-39). This inheritance is incorruptible and does not fade away (1 Pet. 1:4).

Jesus is leading us to a better country (Heb. 11:16). As honorable as it is to desire a country here on this earth that is fair and equitable and just, the country that Jesus is leading us to is a heavenly one, and far better! The country to which we are going is “a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands (2 Cor. 5:1)!

When it comes to choosing between a house, or a car, or some sort of appliance or tool, we always want the better option. If money is not an object, no one desires to have the inferior option. Why would you not choose Jesus’ way of life, recognizing it’s the better – the best – way of life? In fact, it’s already paid for! You just have to choose it!