Hebrews 1:1-4 - Jesus Is Better #1 - Jesus Is The Ultimate Word
Nate Holdridge
Introduction
Hebrews 1:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
A key word in the book of Hebrews is the word better.
He's better than angels, brings better things, is a better hope, institutes a better covenant, has a better ministry with better promises, is the better sacrifice, brings us to a better country and a better life, has provided something better for us, and speaks better things (1:4, 6:9, 7:19, 7:22, 8:6, 9:23, 11:16, 11:35, 11:40, 12:22-24).
Today: He is the better (or ultimate) word.
Background
Hebrews is mysterious to many modern Christians for a few reasons.
1 Because of uncertainty regarding authorship.
The original readers knew the author personally, but their identity is lost to history.
Suggestions: Apollos, Barnabas, Luke, and Paul.
Why some believe it is Paul:
1 Doctrinal similarity (High Christology, New Covenant, Atonement, Habakkuk 2:4).
2 Complexity of thought.
3 His heart for Jewish people (which would be why he'd write anonymously).
4 It ends with grace (Hebrews 13:25).
5 The odds are with him.
Why it isn't Paul:
1 Style of Greek is dissimilar to Paul's.
2 He wrote as someone who was not an original recipient of the message.
Hebrews 2:3 (ESV) — 3 ...It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard...
1 Corinthians 15:8 (ESV) — 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.
Similar talk in Galatians 1-2.
Inconclusive:
I will attempt to say, "The author wrote/said..."
2 Because we are unfamiliar with the intended audience.
Some speculations: Priests, Jewish Christians who saw Christianity under Judaism's umbrella, or Gentiles who were drawn to OT rituals.
Most obvious and accepted: Jewish Christians, from Jerusalem, Rome, or elsewhere, who needed to hear an exhortation about the glories of Christianity and Christ.
Remember: Christianity had no parallel to the ritual trappings to which these new Jewish believers had been accustomed.
The author saw the letter as an exhortation (Hebrews 13:22).
1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
1 By the prophets: God spoke to our fathers by the prophets.
God spoke by the Old Testament prophets.
Likely a reference to every Old Testament author, rather than strictly prophetic messengers.
The New Testament perspective is that the Old Testament was the voice of God.
1 Jesus (the one who rose from the dead) believed the Old Testament Scriptures.
John 10:35 (ESV) — 35 ...the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—
2 Many of the controversial OT passages are referred to in the New Testament.
Creation, the fall, the flood, miracles, and Jonah's fish are all referred to as historical events.
Almost every of chapter of Genesis 1-22 has a person or event confirmed by New Testament quotation or reference (suggesting all the OT is seen as also authentic).
3 Only two OT books, Esther and Song Of Songs, lack direct NT commentary.
Burning bush, visions and dreams, Urim and Thummim, angels, writing on stone, etc.
Example: Ezekiel shaved his hair and burnt one-third, struck one-third with a sword, and tossed the last one-third to the wind while braiding a few into his garments (Ezekiel 5:1-4).
2 By his Son: 2 But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.
Jesus is the final word (but in these last days).
We await his return, but not further revelation.
He is a fulfillment of the prophets.
The imperfect methods are over.
The prophets anticipated him, and now he has come.
The better sacrifice.
The better Promised Land.
The better Sabbath rest.
The better covenant.
The better priesthood/ministry.
Note: In a sense, the Old Testament Scriptures now have more meaning than ever because Christ has come.
Jesus in not a mere messenger (God's Son, the heir of all, who created the world).
Jesus is the capstone of God's revelation to us!
Heir of all: Everything belongs to him, and it always has because it is his lawful possession.
Created the world:
John 1:3 (ESV) — 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
There are debates about how the creation took place, but the Bible teaches it was not a chance or accident, but an intentional work of God. How? Don't know. But he did.
Note: Entire Godhead involved in creation (Genesis 1:1 – God created, Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit of God hovered). Father – architect, Son – contractor, Spirit – carpenter.
He is greatest because he is the final word, but also because he is superior to every messenger who ever came before. He transcends them.
Example: The next Michael Jordan debate - no one could ever say, when discussing Jesus, "But you should have seen Moses."
Application:
The Old Testament is for our edification, and Hebrews will help us appreciate it more.
Bible reading is helpful to believers.
All Scripture must be interpreted through the final revelation of Jesus Christ.
The General Way God Spoke By Jesus (1:3)
3a He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.
1 By radiating God's glory: He is the radiance of the glory of God.
Jesus is "the light of the world" because he radiates the glory of God (John 8:12).
We reflect the glory of Christ, but Jesus shines with God's actual glory.
Example: Moonlight vs. Sunlight
John 1:14 (ESV) — 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
2 By showing us God's nature: He is the exact imprint of his nature.
Exact representation: like a coin, engraving, or stamp.
John 14:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
Do you want to know what God is like? Look to the Son!
3 By carrying forward the universe: He upholds the universe by the word of his power.
This phrase does not mean he supports it on his shoulders (like Atlas), but that he maintains and moves the universe forward to a conclusion.
Ephesians 1:10 (ESV) — 10 as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
Application:
Learning of Jesus can destroy the darkness you are born into.
Learning of Jesus can bring you into a familial relationship with your Father God.
Learning of Jesus can give settle you regarding the future.
The Pinnacle Way God Spoke By Jesus (1:4)
3b After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
1 Jesus purified people from sin: After making purification for sins.
Predominant theme of Hebrews: Jesus purified people from sin in a total and final way nothing and no one else could.
Jesus made way for forgiveness, but also cleansing.
Whether a person knows it or not, what we are all chasing is purification from our sins.
We might turn to religion.
We might turn to legalistic self-effort.
We might turn to substance abuse.
But we always turn to personal effort to somehow overturn the ramifications and presence of sin.
But Jesus made a way for you to be purified of sin!
Matthew 1:21 (ESV) — 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
2 Jesus completed his task: He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
From Psalm 110, which will come up again in Hebrews - Psalm 110:1 (ESV) — 1 The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
To sit, in the framework of Hebrews, is to rest.
The task has been completed, fulfilled.
John 19:30 (ESV) — 30 ...It is finished..
Colossians 2:14 (ESV) — 14 by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.
Important for the Jewish people.
3 Jesus inherited a more excellent name: Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Transitional.
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Rejoice at God's revelation to humankind, his only begotten Son!