Jesus Is Greater Than The Angels

INTRO

Today starts a new segment of Scripture. This time we’re in the section of General Letters, eight letters in the New Testament not written by Paul—Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. After this segment, we’ll go back to the Old Testament for the Minor Prophets, and then return to the New Testament to study Revelation. The book of Hebrews is really a blend of the Old and New Testaments (Matthew 5:17).

Our phrase for Jesus in the book of Hebrews is the High Priest. In the Old Testament the high priestwas the one who entered the Holy of Holies once a year to intercede for man. He was the mediator between God and man. Jesus is the High Priest, the mediator described in Hebrews 4:14 (Hebrews 5:10; 10:19–21). Through Jesus’ flesh, we have access to God. Jesus is the only access (John 14:6).

The author of Hebrews is unknown. Based on its literary style, none of the New Testament writers seem to have written the book. The title was originally, “To the Hebrews.” In Hebrews 2:3, the writer included himself (or herself) with those who first hear the Lord speak. That statement would exclude Paul as the author. It’s fair to say the Holy Spirit was involved.

The book was written probably between A.D. 67–69, just before the second temple was destroyed in A.D. 70.¹ Other known dates help determine this writing date. The church in Rome was founded in A.D. 32, and the Council of Jerusalem took place in A.D. 50. According to Hebrews 13:23, Timothy had just been released from prison in Rome and persecution was taking place (Hebrews 12:4). The recipients of the letter of Hebrews were struggling to stay firm in their faith because of persecution. Interestingly, the Major Prophets were written shortly before the fall of the first temple in 586 B.C. and the book of Hebrews was written before the fall of the second temple.

The intended audience of Hebrews was made up of: (1) believers; (2) unbelievers who were intellectually convinced of the gospel; and (3) unbelievers who were attracted to the gospel but had made no commitment to Christ.²

One common theme throughout the book is Jesus’ superiority:

• Jesus is better than (or greater than or superior to) the angels (Hebrews 1:4–14).
• Jesus’ message is better than the message of the angels (Hebrews 2).
• Jesus is superior to Moses (Hebrews 3).
• Jesus is superior to the High Priest Aaron (Hebrews 4).
• Jesus is superior to Melchizedek (Hebrews 5).
• Jesus is better than the Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 7).

TEACHING

Hebrews 1:1-3: In the past God spoke through the prophets in different times and in different ways (v. 1). That was a period of over 1,800 years. MacArthur states God spoke through “visions, symbols, and parables, written in both poetry and prose . . . always God’s revelation of what He wanted His people to know.”³ But now (“in these last days”), God speaks through His Son (v. 2). In verses 2–3, the author used seven descriptions of Jesus:

Jesus is “God’s heir of all things.” That automatically assumes He is God’s Son (v. 2).

God “made the universe through Him” (v. 2) (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16). Jesus is the Creator.

Jesus is “the radiance of God’s glory” (v. 3). Jesus is the Revelation.

Jesus is “the exact expression of His nature” (v. 3) (John 14:9). Jesus is God

Jesus is “sustaining all things by His powerful word” (v. 3) (Colossians 1:17). Jesus is the Sustainer.

Jesus gave “purification for sin” for all people (v. 3) (Titus 2:14). Jesus is the Savior.

Jesus sits “at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (v. 3). Jesus is the exalted Lord.

Hebrews 1:4-14: In verses 4–14 the author compared Jesus to the angels. Jesus is proclaimed as having a higher rank than the angels (v. 4). Jesus is the only one who God named as His Son (v. 5). God said the angels were to worship Jesus (v. 6). Jesus is the only one who is given the throne of God (v. 8). Angels serve as ministering spirits to help those who are going out to preach salvation to others (v. 14).

CLOSING

Jesus is better than/greater than/far superior to any angel. The angels serve Him.