Kingdom Disciples

Jesus warns us of coming false prophets, deceivers who will mislead many and disseminate false information about the future .  Jesus begins his final discourse with a sharp warning - beware of “ many deceivers ” who will use his authority to spread “ rumors ” about wars, earthquakes, and other calamities. They will “ deceive many .” But contrary to their claims, the “ end is not yet .” Likewise, “ false prophets ” will propagate lies about the whereabouts and coming of the “ Son of Man ” - [ Serpent - Photo by Max Letek on Unsplash ].

John labels false teachers in the church as antichrists, and their deceptive teachings confirm that the last days have commenced .  The term “ antichrist ” occurs only in the letters of John, and he applies the plural noun to deceivers that are causing dissension in his congregations. Their very presence constitutes irrefutable evidence that the “ last days ” have commenced. These troublemakers are “ antichrists ” and forerunners of the “ Antichrist ” who is to come - [ Photo by Elisabeth Arnold on Unsplash ].

In his death, Jesus inaugurated the vastly superior new covenant, which now renders the old one obsolete . The “word” that God has spoken “ in the Son ” surpasses all past revelations made through “ the prophets .” He went beyond them, and “ achieved the purification of sins .” Consequently, he “ sat down ” at the right hand of God and inherited “ all things ,” and among other things, this signaled the commencement of the promised “ new covenant .” - [ Photo by  Yannick Pulver  on  Unsplash ].

In Hebrews, Jesus is the Son who is exalted after his suffering and death to become our sovereign and faithful High Priest . A key theme in the letter to the  Hebrews  is the elevation of the “ Son ” as the result of his obedient death. In his sufferings, he has been “ perfected ,” and in his resurrection, God has vindicated him and exalted him to “ sit down ” at the “ right hand of the Majesty on high ,” where he intercedes for his people - [ Mountain Peak in clouds - Photo by  David Maunsell  on Unsplash ].

Having achieved the purification of sins, the Son inherited a more distinguished name than the angels . The Son has achieved the “ purification of sins ,” thus qualifying to “ sit down at the right hand of the majesty on high .” And there, he continues as the high priest who is interceding for his people. He also has inherited the “ more distinguished name ,” namely, “ Son ,” and as such, he surpasses even God’s mightiest angels in status and honor - [ Photo by  Edward Cisneros  on  Unsplash ].