The Glorious Son

Bible Passage: Hebrews 1:1–14, John 1:1–18

Summary: Hebrews 1 and John 1 both emphasize the supremacy and glory of Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the creator of all things.

Application: Both passages remind us that Jesus is above all others and worthy of our worship and obedience. We should strive to align our lives with His teachings and example.

Teaching: Through Hebrews 1 and John 1, we learn about the deity, humanity, and preeminence of Jesus Christ. They showcase His role in creation, His eternal nature, and His unique relationship with the Father.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus is depicted as the Word in John 1, reflecting His presence in creation and His fulfillment of the Old Testament promises. In Hebrews 1, Jesus is presented as superior to angels and as the exact representation of God's being.

Big Idea: The glory and supremacy of Jesus Christ are unparalleled, and He deserves our reverence and obedience. He is the eternal Son of God and the central figure in creation and redemption.

Illustration: Consider a hypothetical situation: A young intern at a company is assigned to work under a veteran manager known for a tough exterior. The intern feels superior with their modern education and dismisses the manager's insights. However, as projects unfold, the intern finds themselves in a deep dilemma and, in desperation, seeks the manager's guidance. The transformation of their opinion underscores the lesson that wisdom often lies in the unassuming person we might overlook.

1. Christ: The Heir of Creation

Hebrews 1:1-4

These verses in Hebrews set the stage for understanding Jesus' superiority and divine nature.

God used to speak to his people entirely through the prophets, but Jesus, the Son spoke directly about God. We know what he said when he was present with his disciples through the Scriptures, but now he reveals his words through his Holy Spirit.

The history of God's revelation, culminating in His speaking through the Son, who is appointed heir of all things and through whom also He created the universe.

2. Anointed Over All

Hebrews 1:5-9

Jesus, the Son, was anointed as the heir of all things (physical and spiritual).

The supremacy of Jesus over angels, His unique sonship, Kingship, and Anointing by God.

The Scriptures affirm Christ’s supremacy over all created beings, earthly and angelic.

Jesus' divine authority over all creation comes from his anointing by the Father.

3. The Creator's Constant Character

Hebrews 1:10-12

Jesus, the Son, was not created but begotten. Psalm 2:7-12

Through him all things were created (physical and spiritual).

He is worthy of worship, he created and sustains all things.

He was and is eternal from before creation, different from creation, which will pass away.

Jesus' divine nature and his role in both creation and redemption.

4. Angels Serve Christ; The Demonic Serve Themselves

Hebrews 1:13-14

The Jews believed the scriptures were relayed to them by the angels, so thought them to be above all humanity.

The role of angels as servants sent to help those who will inherit salvation, even angels serve Christ.

His supremacy and the care God has for His people through His Son and His servants.

When he gave himself up to death to purify us from sin, he took his place to sit at the right hand of the Father on the throne.

He is much superior to the angels. They convey the will of God to his people and served to protect and assist his people.

The angels serve Christ and the inheritors of salvation (those who believe in him); The demonic serve themselves.

5. The Word brought/brings Light to the World

John 1:1-9

Therefore, it is not enough to say that Jesus is the perfect philosopher displaying wisdom, or that Jesus the perfect prophet, or that he is the perfect example of humanity. That is why John was not afraid of bearing witness that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh. He is the perfect representation of God to humanity.

John makes his declaration plain.

John described Jesus as the Word of God, who was with God at the beginning, and who is God. This is not an ambiguous statement.

He is the perfect reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being.

The Word's eternal existence, role in creation, and life as the light of all people.

All things were created by and through him, and without him not one thing would have been created.

Life does not begin or flourish without him.

There is no eternal life without God.

He sustains all things by his powerful word. (by everything he says and declares)

He is the source of life and light the light that illuminates the darkness of human sin, through his words and revelations of the heart.

When he gave himself up to death to purify us from sin, he took his place to sit at the right hand of the Father on the throne.

Through him all were given the power to become children of God, born of God by his Spirit.

Here is the most hopeful expression in all the Gospel: The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it. His light shines on everyone.

Happy are those who take refuge in him. Psalm 2:12

6. Witness to the Word

John 1:10-18

The incarnation of the Word, His revelation of grace and truth, and the unique relationship Jesus has with the Father.

The fullness of God’s character is revealed to us in Christ that each one of us would find salvation through him.

No one has seen God, not Moses, not David, nor any of the prophets, not in dreams or visions, but they have seen Jesus Christ, the Son, who is God and cherished by the Father who reveals the full nature of Christ to us.

Questions:

In what ways can we express our worship and obedience to Jesus as the supreme Son of God?

If it’s important, you make the time.

Family worship:

Consider setting a specific evening each week as 'Family Worship Night.' Use this time to gather together, share a song, read a passage from the Bible, and discuss its application. Encourage each family member to express their worship and obedience, fostering spiritual growth and Christian unity in your home. By dedicating this time, you are not only honoring Jesus as the supreme Son of God but also reinforcing the importance of faith.

How can understanding Jesus’ supremacy change the way you approach challenges in your life?

If you struggle with maintaining your Christian principles in a competitive workplace, consider starting your workday with a brief devotional. Arrive early, bring a Bible or a daily devotional, and spend this time in prayer and reflection. This practice not only aligns your heart with Christ the Lord but equips you to face challenges with integrity and grace throughout the day. By modeling faith in your actions and decisions, you can influence your colleagues positively, showing them the transformative power of obedience to Christ.

When engaging in social media and wanting to reflect your worship and obedience to Jesus, challenge yourself to post regularly about positive messages rooted in your faith. Share a personal testimony or choose to highlight good and loving work being done around you. This not only solidifies your own beliefs but also spreads a light in a space where negativity often prevails.