Christ Is Superior to Angels Hebrews 1:4-2:4

Christ Is Superior “Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has obtained it more excellent than theirs” (Hebrews 1:4, Lightfoot) –His name is better than all (Eph. 1:21; Phil. 2:9-10) Though lower while on earth (2:9), Christ is now “superior” (twice in 1:4 and 8:6; once in 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 40; 12:24) –Angels were used in giving the law of Moses (Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19) –The One with the excellent name of the Son of God delivered the new covenant –Christ’s excellent name comes from his rank

Jesus Is God’s Son God’s statement from Psalm 2:7 is quoted in Hebrews 1:5 –Is quoted to show Christ’s superiority in Hebrews 1:5 –In Acts 13:33, Paul points to the resurrection as the time Jesus was begotten of the Father (compare John 3:16; Romans 8:3; 1:4) God spoke in 2 Samuel 7:14 Therefore, Jesus is better than the angels involved in the transmission of the law of Moses (Galatians 3:19; Acts 7:53)

Angels Are Commanded to Worship Jesus Deuteronomy 32:43 is quoted in Hebrews 1:6 –From the Septuagint translation (LXX) –The Psalmist said something very similar in 97:7 –Since the angels are commanded by God to worship Christ, he is obviously superior Jesus is the “firstborn” in at least two senses –Firstborn from the dead (Colossians 1:18; Revelation 1:5; Romans 8:29)

Firstborn –Thompson says, “In the Old Testament, the firstborn son was the recipient of special favors and privileges (cf. Genesis 48:18; 43:33). Thus, the term came to apply to one who is specially favored (cf. Hebrews 12:23.) In Psalm 89:27 the king is referred to as God’s firstborn. Thus when Jesus is called the firstborn, the author is referring to his pre-eminence as one who has a unique and favored relationship to God” Notice Psalm 89:20 says God anointed David, yet he was the youngest of Jesse’s sons (1 Samuel 16:11)

Angelic Messengers and the King God causes his angelic messengers to be changed into whatever form suites his purpose (Hebrews 1:7; Psalm 104:4) Angels are simply servants to do God’s bidding Jesus’ greatness is seen in his Kingship (Hebrews 1:8, 3; 7:1-2; Psalm 45:6-7; Zechariah 6:12-13) –Note: The Son is called God, whereas the angels are just called messengers.

Jesus Is Honored Above All Others Because of Christ’s righteous character, God anointed him with “oil of gladness” –God honored him above all others, as can be seen in Psalm 23:5-6; Luke 7:46) Jesus exhibits the characteristics of God –He is said to be Lord, creator, eternal and all- powerful –Jesus is the one who will roll up the heavens and is unchangeable (Hebrews 1:10-12; Psalm 102:25-27)

Jesus’ Authority as King Hebrews 1:13-14 Jesus’ authority as King is seen in Psalm 110:1 –Jesus will sit at God’s right hand, a place of authority, until all his enemies are put under his feet (compare Joshua 10:24-25) –The angels are ministering spirits, not sovereign, serving the King for the benefit of his followers –Jesus is made sovereign by sitting at God’s right hand

The Danger of Drifting Because Christ is better than angels, we ought to pay closer attention to His message (Hebrews 2:1) –To reach a goal upstream, it is absolutely necessary to put forth diligent effort (Luke 13:24) –The writer of Hebrews is warning Christians not to relax and drift downstream, especially since we have the superior messenger –The message heard by Christians is greater than any man ever heard, so one should strive to keep Christ’s teachings in mind and reach toward the perfection found in him

God Gives a Just Reward Hebrews 2:2-3a The “word spoken through angels” is all of the Old Testament (Galatians 3:10; Acts 7:51-53) –It can be considered steadfast because God backed it up with his power –Those who disobeyed, or neglected, the law were punished –Those under that message were properly rewarded for their works, obedient or disobedient Having dealt in such a just manner under a lesser law, surely God will deal justly today and we will not escape our reward

The Great Salvation A great salvation is available in Jesus This implies there was a salvation available in the past –This may refer to those saved from things like the flood, destruction of Sodom and bondage in Egypt (1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:7; Acts 7:34-36) –It may indicate there was salvation under Moses’ law, with its shedding of the blood of bulls and goats –If the latter is true, it must be remembered that those in the Mosaic age could not attain perfection without Christ’s coming (Hebrews 11:39-40) –In either case, the salvation Christ brought is greater

Witnesses to the Truthful Message The apostles confirmed Christ’s message and the Father added his witness to theirs (Hebrews 2:3b-4; John 8:16; Matthew 3:17; 17:5) –His witness can be seen in the works done by Jesus and the apostles (John 14:10; Acts 2:32-33; 4:10; 14:3; 19:11-12) –“Signs,” “wonders” and “various miracles” would seem to refer to different aspects of the same works A testimony to the truth The awe aroused in those witnessing a miracle Other works wrought by God’s power