Hebrews 1

Hebrews 1 v.1-4: Who is Jesus? v.1 - “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” –What are some ways that God spoke to the prophets? –Burning bush (Moses), still small voice (Elijah), heavenly vision (Isaiah, Daniel), family crisis (Hosea), basket of fruit (Amos), other ways? –What are some ways the prophets spoke to the people? –Speaking in public, –Symbolic action (Jeremiah smashed a clay jar to symbolize coming destruction, Isaiah walked barefoot and stripped down to portray the upcoming captivity of Egypt and Cush) –Poetry and song–allowed the messages to be more easily remembered. –Written scrolls –Life parables (Hosea marrying an unfaithful woman to mirror God's relationship with wayward Israel) v.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.” –There is a distinction between the Old and New covenants–for us the Old and New Testaments. God speaks to us by Jesus today. Notice it doesn’t say through Jesus. What is the distinction? Jesus is the message. –Jesus is heir of all things. Historically the firstborn son was the heir in the family. Jesus is the firstborn over all creation and therefore heir of all things. –Jesus made the universe! He is the Creator! The Greek word translated universe is aion from which we get the word eons. It means that Jesus made more than the material world…He made time and the ages. v.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.” –He is the radiance of God’s glory–the Greek word for radiance is apaugasma which speaks of the radiance that shines from a source of light. The ancient Greek philosopher Philo used the word apaugasma to describe the Logos, the being or intelligent mind who ordered the universe. The writer of Hebrews explained Jesus in terms that made sense to both first-century Jews and those familiar with Greek philosophy. –He is the express image of His person - The idea is of an exact likeness as made by a stamp. Jesus exactly represents God to us. –He sustains all things by His powerful word - the idea behind sustaining here is the concept of maintaining–active involvement. We saw some of how powerful the word of Jesus is during His earthly ministry: healing, calming a storm, raising the dead. He sustains and upholds all things–omnipotent. –He provided purification for our sins - in this He also shows His great love for us. He is all powerful and submitted to death on a cross to save His creation and have relationship with us. –He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven - This specifically shows the majesty, honor, glory, and finished work that Jesus has. It shows His ultimate superiority. This position is given to only One. v.4 - “So He became as much superior to the angels as the Name He has inherited is superior to theirs.” –His Name represents not just His title but a description of His nature and character. –There was a trend to worship angels during this time and the writer wanted to be sure that everyone understands the distinction between Jesus and the angels–that there is no comparison. His superiority cannot be measured. This section sets the stage for us to know who Jesus is as we move through the letter to the Hebrews. This is the One of Whom the Father says, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to Him!” (Mark 9:7) v.5-14: Jesus is superior to the angels in four ways: 1. Jesus is superior to the angels because He is the Son of God. v.5 - God says about Jesus (but not the angels): Side note–the writer shows that God spoke through the words written by men. –You are my Son; today I have become your Father (or begotten you) - Psalm 2:7 –The word begotten speaks of the equality of substance and essential nature between the Father and Son. It means that the Father and the Son share the same being. –I will be his Father and he will be my Son - 2 Samuel 7:14 –Jews venerated the angels because of their role in the giving of the law (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). It was important to the writer to show that Jesus is superior to the angels. 2. Jesus is superior to the angels because angels worship and serve Jesus, who is their God. v.6 - Let all God’s angels worship him (when bringing His firstborn into the world) - Deuteronomy 32:43 –Firstborn is a title of position and indicates the highest favor and honor–angels are not spoken of as firstborn. v.7 - He (meaning Jesus) makes His angels spirits and His servants flames of fire - Psalm 104:4 –The angels are His. He is Lord over them and not among them. 3. Jesus is superior to the angels because the Father Himself calls Him (and not any angel) God and LORD (Yahweh), v.8-9 - Your throne oh God will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of Your kingdom. 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 - Psalm 45:6-7 –The first person of the Trinity is speaking to the second person of the Trinity and calls Him God. v.10-12 - In the beginning Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 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 - Psalm 102:25-27 –Jesus is the Creator and self-existent. He is sovereign and unchanging. 4. Jesus is superior to the angels because He sat down, having completed His work, while the angels work on continually. v.13 - Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet - Psalm 110:1 –Jesus has the right to sit in the throne room. Angels do not. v.14 - Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation. –Angels keep working; they are not in charge.