Mar 28, 2021
Originally Presented: October 16, 2016
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1:4-14
Having begun this letter with seven statements describing the exalted position of Christ (Heb 1:1-4), the writer now displays the preeminence of Jesus over angels. The author utilizes seven Old Testament quotations to make a case showing Christ to be superior to angels. Angels were held a high position in the minds of first century Jews and there is New Testament evidence of worship of angels (Col 2:18).
So Christ is shown here to be superior, infinitely superior, to angels. God declares that Jesus is His Son, but never made such a declaration of any angel (Heb 1:5,6). The angels are commanded to worship the Son (Heb 1:6). Angels are messengers whose role is to carry out the commands of God (Heb1:7), but Christ's role is to rule as divine Sovereign (Heb 1:8,9). Christ is creator of all (Heb 1:10-12) who rules at the Father's right hand (Heb 1:13). Angels, on the other hand, are servants of the King, sent to watch over His people (Heb 1:14).
The question for our own hearts is, "In light of Christ's supremacy over all things, how do I respond to Him?" Is there a longing after Christ that exceeds all our longings for other things? Is there a joy in Christ that exceeds all our other joys? Is there a love for Christ that exceeds all the other people we love? If Christ is supreme, then there ought to be affections in our hearts corresponding to His greatness and value.