Hebrews 1
Hebrews 1 declares that although God spoke in the past through many prophets, in these last days He has spoken through His Son. This Son points to Jesus Christ, and He is described as the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being (verses 1–3). Then, when Jesus Christ is compared to the angels, the text emphasizes that He is far superior and intrinsically different through quotations from various Old Testament Scriptures (verses 4–14). Overall, Chapter 1 strongly reveals the divinity of Jesus and proclaims that He is equal to God.
1verseGod, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
2versehas at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds.
3verseHis Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high,
4versehaving become as much better than the angels as the more excellent name he has inherited is better than theirs.
5verseFor to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father?” and again, “I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?”
6verseWhen he again brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.”
7verseOf the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.”
8verseBut of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.
9verseYou have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.”
10verseAnd, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.
11verseThey will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does.
12verseYou will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years won’t fail.”
13verseBut which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”
14verseAren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
Key Message
The key message of Hebrews 1 is that God’s final and complete revelation has been given through Jesus Christ. Jesus is not merely a teacher or a prophet; He is the Sovereign over all, the One who is eternal. The author explains the greatness and eternity of Christ by quoting various Old Testament passages. He emphasizes that God completes His plan of salvation for humanity through Jesus.
Points to Reflect On
- Although God has spoken in different ways in every era, today He speaks to us above all through Jesus Christ. Let’s reflect on what this fact means to me.
- Consider how you are receiving the truth that Jesus is greater than the angels and is over all creation.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s reflect on whether we are living with the Word spoken through God’s Son, Jesus, at the center of our lives.
- Trusting that Jesus is the only mediator and the Lord over all things, decide on practical steps for what mindset and attitude you should have each day in order to walk with Him.
