Hello Beloved,

Let us continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “The Last Adam.” This month we will consider Jesus as “Pioneer.” The concept comes from the Greek archegos and is also translated as “leader” or “founder.” There are primarily two passages we will consider that make this connection with Christ in the book of Hebrews.

10  For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)

2  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 (ESV)

 The term archegos was often used in the Greek Old Testament (LXX) for leading the tribes through the wilderness. The sense of “founder” or “pioneer” can be seen in Hebrews 2:10. In this passage, the author of Hebrews describes the implications of Christ’s sufferings. The passage connects the function of Jesus as Creator with the truth of His incarnation, and then communicates that our Lord was made fully complete for the purpose of His office through suffering.

 In Hebrews 12:2, Christ is described as the forerunner and example of a life of faith. Christ’s suffering and exaltation was unprecedented. In this, Christ is the “pioneer” who has opened the way so that we may follow Him.

 I loved watching the old Star Trek shows when I was coming up. Captain Kirk was always visiting a strange new far-off land, and it seemed like he was falling in love with a new girl in just about every episode. Nevertheless, I remember the opening of each episode always ended with the phrase “going where no man has gone before.” Captain Kirk and the starship enterprise traveled to new and distant lands as “pioneers,” and they made it possible for other humans to follow in their footsteps. Well, in a greater, and more realistic manner, Christ suffered and died for our sins on an old rugged cross. He was buried and rose from the dead. He is the pioneer who went where we could not go. We trust by faith that His death on the cross frees us from the penalty of sin, and we must follow Him, “our pioneer.” Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.