The Superiority of Jesus Christ: A Divine Revelation in Hebrews 1
Hebrews 1 is the first chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. It is a powerful introduction to the letter, setting forth the author’s central message about the superiority of Jesus Christ over all other beings, including angels, and establishing the theme of the letter as the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.
The chapter begins with a statement about the nature of God’s revelation to humanity. The author declares that in the past, God spoke to his people through the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to them through his Son, Jesus Christ. The author emphasizes that Jesus is not just another prophet, but is in fact the Son of God, who has been appointed heir of all things and through whom God created the universe.
The chapter goes on to discuss the superiority of Jesus over the angels. The author states that God never said to any of the angels, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” This phrase is reserved only for Jesus, and it indicates his unique status as the Son of God. The author also notes that the angels are commanded to worship Jesus, further underscoring his superiority.
The chapter concludes with a warning to the readers not to neglect the great salvation that has been offered to them through Jesus Christ. The author urges them to pay close attention to what they have heard, so that they do not drift away from the truth. The chapter ends on a note of encouragement, as the author reminds the readers that Jesus has already triumphed over the powers of darkness, and that through faith in him, they too can overcome.
Hebrews 1 sets the stage for the rest of the letter, establishing the central theme of the superiority of Jesus Christ over all other beings and laying out the author’s argument in support of this claim. It is a powerful and thought-provoking chapter that challenges readers to examine their own faith and to recognize the unique and unparalleled nature of Jesus’ role in God’s plan of salvation.
Hebrews Chapter 1 in the New International Version (NIV): 1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” 13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
In verses 1-5 of Hebrews Chapter 1, the author begins by highlighting the superiority of God’s revelation through Jesus Christ compared to the revelation given through the prophets in the past.
The author states that in the past, God spoke to the Hebrew people through the prophets in many different ways, but now in these last days, God has spoken to us through His Son Jesus Christ. The author emphasizes that Jesus is appointed as the heir of all things, and that through Him, God made the universe.
Verse 3 goes on to describe Jesus as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being. It also highlights that Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word and provided purification for sins, and now sits at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. This verse emphasizes the divinity and authority of Jesus as the Son of God.
In verse 4, the author notes that because of Jesus’ unique relationship to God, He is much superior to the angels. The author goes on to show that the Son’s superiority over the angels is proven by citing several Old Testament passages that indicate the unique relationship between God and His Son.
These verses set up the author’s argument for the superiority of Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God’s grace and truth to humanity.
Verses 5-14 of Hebrews Chapter 1 continue to emphasize the superiority of Jesus Christ over the angels. The author draws on several Old Testament passages to demonstrate that God has never said to any of the angels that they are His Son, but only to Jesus.
Verse 6 highlights the significance of Jesus’ superiority by stating that even the angels worship Him. The author then quotes Psalm 104:4 to show that angels are actually created beings who serve God, and that they are not to be worshipped or considered equal to the Son of God.
In verses 8-9, the author cites Psalm 45:6-7 to further emphasize the superiority of Jesus. This passage speaks of God’s throne and refers to the Son as being anointed above His companions with the oil of joy. This shows that Jesus is not only superior to the angels, but also to any other kings or rulers.
Finally, in verses 10-12, the author quotes from Psalm 102:25-27 to further demonstrate Jesus’ divinity and eternality. The passage speaks of God as the creator of the universe and indicates that the Son shares in that divine nature. The author emphasizes that the Son’s throne will last forever and that He remains the same, unchanging and eternal.
In summary, verses 5-14 of Hebrews Chapter 1 continue to highlight the superiority of Jesus Christ over the angels and all other created beings. The author draws on several Old Testament passages to emphasize the unique relationship between God and His Son, and to show that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God’s grace and truth to humanity.
What are the nuggets of wisdom we can glean from Hebrews 1 :
- Embrace the revelation of God through Jesus Christ: The author of Hebrews emphasizes that God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. As Christians, we should embrace this revelation and seek to know Jesus more deeply through studying the Bible, prayer, and fellowship with other believers.
- Recognize Jesus’ role as the heir of all things: As verse 2 reminds us, Jesus has been appointed heir of all things. This should remind us of the vastness of His power and sovereignty, and should give us confidence in His ability to guide and provide for us.
- Marvel at Jesus’ role in creation: The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world. This should inspire us to marvel at the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to give thanks to God for His handiwork.
- Trust in Jesus’ power to uphold the universe: Verse 3 tells us that Jesus upholds the universe by the word of His power. This should give us confidence in His ability to sustain and support us through all of life’s challenges.
- Celebrate Jesus’ role as our Savior: As verse 3 also reminds us, Jesus made purification for our sins. This should remind us of the incredible gift of salvation that we have received through Him, and should motivate us to share this good news with others.
- Marvel at Jesus’ exalted status: As verse 4 emphasizes, Jesus is seated at the right hand of God and is far above all other created beings. This should inspire us to worship and glorify Him, recognizing His supremacy over all things.
- Worship Jesus as the Son of God: As verse 6 reminds us, even the angels worship Jesus Christ. As Christians, we should also worship Jesus as the Son of God and the only way to salvation. We can do this through prayer, singing worship songs, and reading the Bible.
- Don’t worship created beings: Verses 7-8 make it clear that angels are created beings who serve God, and they should not be worshipped or considered equal to Jesus. This is a warning against any form of idolatry, whether it be worshipping angels, nature, or other people.
- Recognize the eternal nature of Jesus: Verses 10-12 remind us that Jesus is eternal and unchanging. This should give us confidence in our faith, knowing that we are putting our trust in someone who has always existed and will always exist. It should also motivate us to share the gospel with others, knowing that we are sharing the message of eternal life.
- Emphasize the divinity of Jesus: The author of Hebrews uses Old Testament passages to show that Jesus is divine and shares in the nature of God. This is an important reminder that Jesus is not just a wise teacher or moral example, but is God Himself who came to earth to save us from our sins.
- Live in light of Jesus’ supremacy: Throughout this passage, the author emphasizes the superiority of Jesus over all other created beings. As we go about our daily lives, we should strive to live in light of this truth, putting Jesus first in all that we do and seeking to glorify Him above all else.
