Heb 1:1-14

The letter to the Hebrews was written to first Century Christians facing persecution. Some of them were giving in, abandoning Jesus to go back to the law. The letter contains some of the strongest warnings and some of the greatest encouragements to eternal security (often just verses apart!). In the letter the author will set out the superlative person of Jesus, show us that the old covenant is obsolete and the new covenant of grace is superlative again; and that there is reward for those who keep on pressing into God’s grace.

I spotted 15 things about Jesus – it’s all about Jesus!

1. God has spoken through Christ, v.1-2 – Before Christ, God had spoken in lots of ways, but they were partial, fragmentary, preparatory and incomplete. Now God has spoken fully, finally, decisively through Jesus.
2. God’s Son, v.2 – If you are faltering in your faith you may relegate Jesus to a good man, a captivating teacher or an impressive leader. He was – and so much more beside. He is the Son of God!
3. Heir of all things, v.2 – this is probably drawn from Psalm 2:8 “I will make the nations your heritage” – Jesus is the heir of heaven and earth and we get to share in that inheritance.
4. Creator, v.2 – Jesus was at work creating the heavens and the earth. The cryptic “Let us make…” in Genesis becomes clear in Hebrews!
5. Radiance of Glory, v.3 – Jews loved to talk and think about the glory of God – the visible and outward expression of the majestic presence of God – the glory came in a cloud and by fire, but now is fully manifested in Jesus Christ.
6. Exact imprint of the Father’s nature, v.3. An imprint is a stamp that vividly and perfectly matches the picture on the die. Jesus is united in nature with the Father and yet distinct. The Greek word for nature, hypostasis, is used by theologians to describe Jesus, man and God – hypostatic union – 100% God and identical to the Father and 100% man.
7. Cosmic sustainer, v.3 – Jesus not only created the heavens and the earth, he sustains it by His power.
8. Sat at the right hand of the Father, v.3.  Now that his work, dying on the cross for our sin, rising again and ascending to heaven, is completed to save us from our sins and bring us into His righteousness, He is sitting in the highest place of honour anywhere – the right hand of the Father.
9. Superior to the angels, v.4 – Contrary to the beliefs of Christological sects and cults like Mormons and J.W.s – Jesus is superior to the angels. They are created spiritual beings. Jesus is eternally God.
10. Begotten, v.5 – Not created.
11. Worshipped by angels, v.6 – Because He is one with the Father and the Spirit, angels worship Jesus, like we do.
12. Everlasting throne, v.8 – In the series of Old Testament quotes, we are reminded that Jesus rules and reigns for ever on the throne, having vanquished the enemy!
13. Most joyful ever, v.9 – Jesus was anointed with joy above all his contemporaries. He is happy! And He fills us with joy in the Spirit too!
14. Laid the foundations of the heavens and earth, v.10 – Jesus’ work in creation is affirmed in another Old Testament quote.
15. Eternal, v.11 – He wasn’t created in time or in Mary’s womb – Jesus is eternal without beginning or end.

Lastly the angels, whom Jesus is superior to, are ministering spirits sent to serve the saved. Stop worrying about demons, enjoy the fact that your loving Father has sent angels to minister to you in usually unseen ways.

That list was amazing, do take some time to worship Jesus now!

Andy Moyle