Extra Meditation- This Week Only: Hebrews 1- Jesus Is Greater!

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son, today I have begotten you”?

Or again, “I will be to him a father,
    and he shall be to me a son”?

6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world,
    he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.”

7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds,
    and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
    therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
      and the heavens are the work of your hands;

11they will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment,

12like a robe you will roll them up,
    like a garment they will be changed.
    But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
    “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are          to inherit salvation?

Meditation

Self resolve will not sustain discipleship through difficulties and despair. Discovering the greatness of Jesus sustains faith and strengthens endurance.  Hebrews is written to struggling saints (10:34). The solution to strengthening faith is celebrating and depending on the greatness of Jesus.

Jesus is greater, supreme over all things. Jesus is the final word of God and the formal heir of all things. Like beams from the sun, Jesus is the full radiance of God, the exact imprint of God’s nature. Jesus sustains all creation, purifies us from all sin, has the greatest name, and is superior to the angels (1-4).

The greatness of Jesus is celebrated throughout Hebrews. We will see Jesus is greater than angels and the torah (1-2), Moses and the promise land (3-4), Melchizedek and the high priests (5-7), and the old covenant with it’s sacrificial system (8-10). The greatness of Jesus fuels faith (11), faithfulness (12), and full assurance of salvation (13).

Ancient Jews understood encountering angels as encountering God. Angels mediated the law to Moses (Deuteronomy 33:2), protected God’s people (Psalm 91:11-12), were messengers of the Almighty, and agents of God’s wrath (Isaiah 37:36).  Jesus is greater than the angels!

Jesus is greater in position, the begotten son of God (5). Jesus is worthy of worship (6), the true King who sits enthroned eternally (8-9), the creator of the world (10), and the ruler of all (11). Angels are messengers of the Messiah. Jesus is the Messiah (12).

Strengthen your faith through celebrating the greatness of Jesus!

Richly Dwelling

-How does seeing the greatness of Jesus strengthen your faith and deepen your affection to follow Jesus?


-What in your life do you need to see Jesus greater than? Be specific.


-Which of the descriptions of the greatness of Jesus connects with you?


Key Verse

3 (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…