The House Builder (Hebrews 3:2b-4)

“For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:3–4, KJV 1900)

One of the most noted architects in modern times is Frank Lloyd Wright. He has designed and built some of the most magnificent edifices imaginable. I have seen some of these in my travels and have been amazed at the ingenuity of the man’s designs. The buildings themselves were magnificent, but without the architectural genius of Wright’s mind, they would not be there. The man that designed and built is therefore greater than the building.

The writer of Hebrews uses this same analogy to show that Jesus is greater than Moses. To understand this, we need to understand what the house refers to in the metaphor. In the previous verse, the writer stated that Moses was faithful in all God’s house. We see this same statement in Numbers 12:7, where God’s house refers to God’s chosen people.

The author indicates that Jesus is worthy of more glory than Moses. Just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house, so was Jesus. Yet Jesus is worthy of more glory because He was not only faithful in all God’s house, but was also the builder of that house. In the New Testament, we see that God’s household, His chosen people are the church (Eph 2:19). Moreover, we see, by Jesus’ own words that He is the builder of the church (Matt 16:18).

Looking at these verses even closer, when the author states, “he that built all things is God,” he indicates that Jesus is God. For the man, Jesus, was counted worthy of more glory because He was the builder.

We who are of true faith have been placed in God’s house, the church. Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus was likewise faithful as the founder and head and builder of the church. Thus, we have several questions and challenges. Are we faithful in God’s house? Do we support the work of the church? Do we use our gifts and talents? Do we faithfully worship, bring glory and honor and praise to Jesus who is worthy of greater glory? Let us think on these things.