The writer of the Book of Hebrews opens by establishing the fact that the Lord Jesus, the eternal Son of God, who became a Man for the purpose of offering Himself as the sacrifice for sin, is superior to everyone and everything else!

Here in today’s verse, he uses the word “better,” which is used at least thirteen times throughout the Book of Hebrews. The word that has been translated as better actually means “greater, superior, more useful, more serviceable, or more excellent.” Seven of those thirteen times are found in chapters 7–10, where we read of the Lord Jesus ministering on the basis of a better covenant (Heb. 8), in a better sanctuary (Heb. 9), and because of a better sacrifice (Heb. 10).

The writer clearly wants us to understand that better things have come to us in and through Christ (11:40). But even more than that, he wants us to understand that the Lord Jesus Christ is better than anything and anyone else. We have One who is greater than the prophets (1:1–3), greater than the angels (1:4–2:18), greater than Moses and Joshua (3:1–4:13); and His priesthood is greater than that of Aaron (4:14–7:28). He is greater than the Old Testament sanctuary and sacrifices (8:1–9:10). Everything about the Person and work of Christ is so much better than anything else we could be occupied with in this life.

The question that we must answer is, why then do we allow ourselves to be distracted and discouraged from running after One who is so great! May we begin this Lord’s Day with our eyes fixed on Him. And throughout the day, perhaps we can stop and see if our focus needs to be readjusted in order to have a clear view of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is so much better!