The Christology of Hebrews Chapter 1: The Supremacy of Jesus

Hi everyone.

The diary of a faithful scribbler has been silent for quite some time now but a lot has been scribbled in its pages. In the next few days I will share some of the things I have learned from the book of Hebrews because I believe that having a right understanding of the person of Christ is essential to a right understanding of his work.

The author of the book of Hebrews is debatable, but the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is evident. In my opinion, Apostle Paul is unlikely author if Chapter 2 verse 3 is anything to go by because it sounds slightly different from the way Paul usually spoke of himself.

The principal purpose of the book of Hebrews insists on the absolute and unrivalled supremacy of Christ. Interestingly, in this book, especially chapter one, it seems that the SON (JESUS) does not speak for Himself; rather, the FATHER (GOD) speaks concerning the Son.  Here, it is seems that the FATHER is the one telling us what the Son is like.

Chapter one gives us an amazing introduction about the superiority and supremacy of Jesus Christ to prophets and angels. First, Jesus brings a revelation of God superior to that of OT prophets, (v.1-2). Second, God’s pre-existence is evident. Third, God isn’t silent. He speaks to man. At various times and in many ways God spoke to man through prophets. Scheming through the Old Testament, for instance: to Elijah, God spoke by a still small voice, (1 Kings 19); to Moses (Ex. 2), He spoke by a burning bush; by the family crisis, He spoke to Hosea (Hos. 1); by the potter’s wheel, He spoke to Jeremiah (Jer. 18), the list is endless. But in these last days God still speaks to man by His Son Jesus. He is the message and speaks with finality. Jesus is the supreme, ultimate, absolute and superior prophet.

What makes Jesus superior than the OT Prophets? In v.2-4, seven affirmations are given about the unique supremacy/superiority of Jesus Christ:

1. Jesus is the appointed heir of all things, v.2b. (Heir “kleronomos” is a Greek masculine noun that refers to a person who inherits. In Strong’s concordance, “An heir is a person on whom all things are subjected to his sway; the possessor.” Dictionary.com defines an heir as a person who has a right to inherit the rank, title, title of another person either by descent, relationship, will or legal process. “The earth and everything thereof is God’s; the world and all who live in it,” (Psalm 24.1). Jesus is the supreme heir of all that.
2. The universe was made through and by Him, v.2c. Jesus is superior because He created everything. “…for in Him all things were created-things in heaven and on earth; visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. …and in Him all things hold together,” (Col. 1:16-17).
3. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory, v.3a. Jesus shines forth from the source, God. Though I have never seen the sun, I experience its beam. Same way, I have never seen the Father but through Jesus I have experienced His beaming glory.
4. Jesus is the exact representation of God’s being, v.3b. Jesus is like the Father in Character. “Jesus is the image of the invisible God,” (Col 1:15). In (John 14:9), Philip wanted to know the Father so He asked Jesus to show them the Father and here is what Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don't know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you?”
5. Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word, v. 3c. If Jesus isn’t in the sustaining equation, everything crumbles. “In him all things hold together,” (Col. 1:17). He sustains His creation with His powerful word. “Man shall not live by bread alone but by ever word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord,” Matt 4:4; Deut. 8:3). By expression of God’s word, the universe came into being; people were healed, demons cast out, nature’s fury stilled and so on. Jesus is superior because He has the ability to sustain His creation.
6. Jesus provided purification for sins, v.3d. Certainly, we cannot purify ourselves except through the provision Jesus made. The shedding of His blood remits our sins. No other detergent is superior to His. Aerial, Omo, Persil, Jik, or any other detergent can remove the stubborn stains of sin.
7. Jesus now sits at the right hand of the majesty in heaven, v. 3e. As you can see, His position is high and it is of paramount importance. It indicates a place of power and sovereignty, invested with Lordship over all. Thus, He is worthy of our allegiance and obedience.

Unquestionably, Jesus is superior to the OT prophets. Now, the second part of this Christology of Hebrews chapter 1:4-14 focuses on the fact that Jesus is superior to angels. What makes Jesus superior than angels? Here is what God had to say about His unrivalled superiority:

Jesus is superior to angels because:

1. He is God’s Son, v. 5. Certainly, no angel is given such individual name-Son.
2. Angels worship and serve Him, v.6. Jesus is the object of angelic worship. He doesn’t worship among them nor does He worship them, rather, they worship Him. They are His servants, v.7.
3. God calls Him God and LORD (Yahweh), v. 8-10.
4. God acknowledges that Jesus is immutable (unchanging), v. 11-2. He remains the same and eternal.
5. He has completed His work and sits at the throne while angels continually serve Him, v. 13-14. Clearly, there are no seats for angels to relax; they are busy serving our supreme Lord Jesus and His saints, v.14.

What shall I say? Undoubtedly, Jesus is the ultimate Supreme Lord worth of our worship, obedience and allegiance.

Regards,

NzakuNashipae