Hebrews 1:4-14
So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son; today I have become your Father”?
Or again,
“I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”?
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.”
But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
He also says,
“In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”
To which of the angels did God ever say,
“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Devotion
In the opening verses of this letter, we see how the author demonstrates how Christ is superior to the prophets. In the verses that follow, the writer uses Old Testament passages to show how Jesus is superior to the angels. Christ’s superiority to angels is demonstrated in four areas.
In verses four through six, we see an emphasis on Christ’s sonship. “Superior” puts the argument of the entire book into a single word. This word occurs thirteen times in this book. The author makes a clear distinction between Jesus and the angels. Christ has a title and name that are above any other. There is something obviously unique about the title “Son” as applied to Christ. One of the Old Testament quotes comes from Psalm 97:7. This passage shows a great contrast. Whereas Christ is the Son of God, the angels are worshipping Him. You see this also in Revelation 5:11-14. No one can compare at all with Christ, not even the angels.
In verses seven through nine, we see an emphasis on Christ’s kingship. Here angels are described as “winds, servants, and flames of fire.” These terms describe the function of angels as ministering spirits. This sets up a nice contrast for what the writer is about to say concerning the Son. By quoting Psalm 45:6-7, the writer points out that God the Father calls His Son “God” in the first line. This is a clear affirmation of deity of Christ. The rest of the Old Testament quote goes on to say that Christ is God’s anointed, righteous, eternal King. What a stark contrast with the angels.
In verses ten through twelve, we see an emphasis on Christ’s eternality. By quoting from Psalm 102:25-26, the writer points out the passing, changing nature of the creation with the eternal, stable, immutable nature of the Creator, God the Son. Christ is superior to the angels not only by virtue of the fact that He created all things (including angels), but also because He is eternal and immutable. This could never be said of an angel.
In verses thirteen through fourteen, we see an emphasis on Christ’s dominion. Quoting from Psalm 110:1, the writer illustrates the fact that Christ is sitting and waiting for the Father to bring all things into subjection to Him. While Christ is sitting and waiting, the angels are “sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.” The angels are believing servants. The writer has now made his second point: Jesus is superior to angels.
Questions to Ponder
If you were talking to someone about Christ and they said, “Christ was just an angel, or a really holy prophet”, how would you respond? In what specific ways is Christ superior to angels? How does Hebrews chapter one affirm the deity of Christ?
Prayer Points
- Spend some time praising God: Son of God, Son of Man, Righteous, Eternal King, Creator, the exact representation of God.
- Thank Him for being our firm foundation, anchor of our soul, solid rock, helper, healer, Captain of Salvation.
- Lean into the Almighty, the Great Intercessor and ask Him to give you (and our church) His Words Of Life for those around you.
- Pray for His Word to run swiftly in and through all of us today.
Suggested Prayer
Eternal Father,
I am so thankful for Your love, forgiveness and kindness. Thank You for being all wise, powerful, holy and true. Thank You for Your commitment and for making a way through the blood of Jesus Christ for me to enter into the Holy of Holies. Thank You for clothing Yourself in humanity being fully God and fully man, thank You for the cross and for being the Perfect Lamb of God. Help me and Your people to rest in the reality of what it cost You. You Lord are the resurrection and the life. Compel us by Your love to share and show You to those around us. I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.