Introduction: Hebrews 1 points out the supremacy and divinity of Jesus Christ, showing Him not only as the Son of God but also as the messenger of God, and revelation of God’s will, superior to the angels. This chapter reveals Christ’s divine role in God’s plan, and we can see Him as the one through whom the worlds were made, and who now sits at the right hand of the Father on high. As we read through this first chapter of Hebrews, we can see the profound message it has to the world in year 2024.
I. God’s Final Revelation through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2)
The first verses say, in the past, God communicated to man through the prophets, but in these last days, He has spoken to us through His Son. Jesus is the heir of all things and the one through whom God created the universe, or to say it another way, Jesus was there when the world was formed. We read 1 John 1:3 that everything was made through Jesus, which points to the fact He was there when this world was created. In Psalm 2:8, we read that Jesus is the heir, He is promised to receive the nations as His inheritance, which means one day, when it’s all said and done, He will rule this world with a rod of iron for 1000 years. Also in Deuteronomy 18:15, the Bible says the Lord will raise up a Prophet like Moses, showing Christ as God the Father’s ultimate messenger.
II. The Radiance of God’s Glory and the Exact Representation of His Being (Hebrews 1:3)
Jesus is a reflection of God’s glory and represents His divine nature perfectly. He was all man, and all God simultaneously He upholds all things by His powerful Word and provided forgiveness for sins before sitting at God’s right hand. We read in Colossians 1:16-17, that Jesus holds all creation together, as well as being before all things, and He created all things, and in 2 Corinthians 4:4, the Bible tells us that Christ is the image of God, in Him we can clearly see the character of God. That is why his blood is so powerful and can cleanse sins as we read in 1 John 1:7.
III. Superior to Angels (Hebrews 1:4-14)
These verses tells us that Jesus is shown to be so much better than the angels, and has a more excellent name than they do.
A. The Name Above Angelic Names (Hebrews 1:4)
Jesus inherited a name superior to that of angels, pointing to His divine sonship. Cross reference verses: Philippians 2:9 – Jesus given the name above every name. Ephesians 1:21 – Christ’s position above all angelic rulers and authorities.
B. The Son Worshiped by Angels (Hebrews 1:5-6)
God never called any angel His Son as He did Jesus, and He commands all angels to worship Him. Cross reference verses: Psalm 97:7 – Angels are called to worship God. Matthew 3:17 – The Father’s declaration of Jesus as His beloved Son.
C. The Eternal Throne and Righteous Scepter (Hebrews 1:7-9)
The Son’s throne is everlasting and His rule is marked by righteousness. Cross reference verses: Psalm 45:6-7 – The throne of God and love for righteousness. Isaiah 9:7 – The increase of his government and peace shall have no end, He is the king of kings and Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15, Revelation 17:14, Revelation 19:16)
D. The Unchangeable Creator (Hebrews 1:10-12)
Jesus laid the earth’s foundation and the heavens are His handiwork, while they shall perish, He will remain the same forever. Cross reference verses: Psalm 102:25-27 – The Lord’s creation and his ability to sustain His unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 – God’s unchanging nature is once again spoken of as it is in these verses.
E. The Exalted One at God’s Right Hand (Hebrews 1:13-14)
Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand, a place not offered to any angel, they are ministering spirits sent to serve the saved. Cross reference verses: Psalm 110:1 – The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand. Mark 16:19 – Jesus’ ascension and seating at God’s right hand. Psalm 103:20 – Angels as ministering servants obeying God’s word.
Conclusion: Hebrews 1 is an inspiring testament to the majesty and supremacy of Jesus Christ. It persuasively asserts that Jesus is not just a messenger like the prophets or angels, but the very embodiment of God’s glory, the Creator, and the Sustainer of all. His exalted position at God’s right hand and His everlasting kingdom assure us of His unmatched authority and the hope we have in Him. As the ultimate revelation of God to humanity, Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, the forgiver of our sins, and the hope of our eternal redemption. Hebrews 1 encourages us to recognize Jesus as the superior revelation of God and object of our worship and obedience.
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