Hebrews 1:1-3 - Christ Supremely Revealed
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Introduction:
Christ is greater. This is one of the main themes of the book of Hebrews. We will see the author tell us that Christ is greater than the prophets today. Next sermon we will hear that Christ is greater than the angels. Throughout this book we will see that Christ is greater than Israel’s priests, Moses, and others.
This was a message that this group of converted Gentiles and believing Jews in Rome receiving the letter of Hebrews needed to hear. They were in a difficult time of persecution that was about to ramp up a lot more. Many scholars believe that this letter was written to a group of believers in Rome around the time that Nero had set it on fire in AD 64 and blamed the Christians for it.
This group of struggling believers would need to be reminded of the supremacy of Christ time and time again as they suffered for Him. Church tradition asserts that Peter and Paul both suffered their martyrdom during this extreme persecution under Nero.
When their faith would become weak, they would need to re-read the words of this letter to remind them that Christ was more powerful and bigger than their current hardships.
As we go through our sermon today, I pray that you remind yourself that Christ is greater.
He is greater than your biggest fear. He is greater than your biggest trial. He is greater than your biggest problem.
We will return to this concept throughout this book. However…
As we go through our lives, there can be times of struggle where our situation seems bigger than our Savior.
May we, in those times, open up the Words of the Scriptures and remember that Christ is greater.
Let’s dive into our Scripture today as we remember how much greater that Christ is.
Read Full Scripture:
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 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. 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,
Prayer
After hearing the verses for today, you may have counted that we read two and half sentences. However, you may find it interesting to know that we are not going to get through even one entire sentence of the book of Hebrews today as per the original Greek. The first sentence in the original Greek actually goes through the end of verse 4. The book of Hebrews is known for being a deep and theologically complex book. And today’s sermon shows that complexity up close and personal!
Time would fail us to go through the debate regarding who wrote this wonderful book. Many early church historians taught that Paul wrote it. It certainly has Pauline characteristics. However, there are many differences in this book than Paul’s typical letters. Others mentioned possible authors would include Luke, Apollos, or even Barnabas. All would be conjecture and frankly unnecessary to argue over as we know that the ultimate author is none other than God Himself.
Whoever the author was, it is clear that he wanted his theme that Christ is greater to even be more magnified by not including his name. Christ is greater that the authors of the Bible as well - because Christ is the true author of the Bible.
One more interesting thing that we should note as we get into Hebrews is the amount of Old Testament influence seen in the book.
According to theologian David Allen, this book contains 38 direct quotations and as many as 55 allusions (or indirect references) to the Old Testament for a total of 93 references. Keep in mind there are only 13 chapters in the entire book and there are 93 references to the Old Testament which accounts for more than 7 references per chapter on average!
With all of that said, we come to our first point…
I. Christ Has Been Revealed as Lord Prophetically (1-2a)
I. Christ Has Been Revealed as Lord Prophetically (1-2a)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…
The author of Hebrews starts off by reflecting upon the prophets of the Old Testament. God had spoken by many different prophets before Christ came. These messages were given at different times, by different people, in different ways, and to those who came from different backgrounds.
Consider that the Old Testament was written by some 30-40 authors over a period of more than 1000 years.
Each of these prophets and Biblical authors who wrote portions of the Scriptures were given the inspired Word of God. Some of them received a vision, some received a parable, and others were given direct quotations. These men were used to write the Scriptures and prophesy in various ways at various times - inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the Word of God and with their personalities preserved in the process. Every Word that was written was exactly what God wanted written down. We see the beauty of God’s sovereignty in this amazing work.
These men came from different backgrounds and occupations as well. Consider Amos who was a shepherd while prophets such as Jeremiah and Ezekiel held official positions among the religious system of Israel.
Their method of conveying God’s Word also varied. Amos gave direct oracles from God. Ezekiel did many strange symbolic acts. Haggai was a preacher of sermons. Zechariah used signs to convey his messages. And Malachi asked questions and answered them.
Despite the uniqueness of each prophet, each of them were called to present the Word of the Lord.
However, the most important message that they brought pointed to salvation that was to come through the Messiah.
The main thesis of the entire Bible - from cover to cover - is that salvation is available through Jesus Christ. Through the progressive revelation given to the Old Testament authors, this understanding became more and more clear throughout the pages. Consider the following:
Moses prophesied in Genesis 3:15 that the Savior would come from the seed of the woman.
Abraham was promised that the Savior would come through his lineage (Genesis 12:3, 18:18, 22:18).
Jacob was told that the Savior would come through the line of Judah (Genesis 49:10).
This revelation continued to progress as we saw David told that the Savior would come from his lineage (2 Samuel 7:13).
The prophet Micah was told that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) while Isaiah was told that He would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14).
And that is just a small sampling over the over 300 Messianic references in the Old Testament.
God spoke through each of these prophets of old about the coming Messiah. However, we are told in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son.
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…
Although the last days often refers to eschatology (or the end times), this particular reference in context appears to be more Messianic in nature. These last days likely refers to a new era. The Messiah has come and believers no longer have to wait until He comes to deliver them. Deliverance is available for all who repent and place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. All of the Old Testament sacrifices were fulfilled in Christ. No longer would another lamb need to be slaughtered for sin. The Lamb of God had taken away the sins of the world (John 1:29).
Not only was there a new era that had come - but the culmination of all of the prophecies of the Old Testament regarding the Messiah had been confirmed through Jesus Christ.
After John the Baptist - no other forerunners were needed. All of the prophecies of Christ found their fulfillment in the Son of God. And..
The author of Hebrews wants his readers to know that Christ is the better prophet.
Although the prophets of old had their place in history, the Son of God far outshines them all.
Never did Christ say, “Thus says the Lord.” Because Jesus - being God-made-flesh - meant that everything He said was God speaking!
Namely, Jesus is God’s final Word. He is the ultimate revelation of God.
He is the fulfillment of all that was stated before Him.
We will see in our next point, just how much greater that the Son is than all of the prophets… which brings us to our second point for today…
Scripture References: Genesis 3:15, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 18:18, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 49:10, 2 Samuel 7:13, Micah 5:2, Isaiah 7:14, John 1:29
II. Christ Has Been Revealed as Lord Powerfully (2b-3)
II. Christ Has Been Revealed as Lord Powerfully (2b-3)
… whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 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,
What an amazing list of reasons of why Christ is greater than the prophets before Him. Each of these characteristics of Jesus could be discussed for all eternity. Today we will briefly cover each of these seven amazing reasons that Christ is greater.
The author wants us to know some really important reasons why Christ is greater:
1 - Christ Is the Heir of All Things
In the ancient world, being an heir was very important. It signified who was going to get property or a certain position. The heir would benefit greatly in social standing and respect as well.
In this instance, the author is likely referring to Psalm 2:8:
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.
This Psalm is a beautiful parallel to this statement as Jesus is the heir of all things and here in this Psalm we are told that He has the nations as His heritage and the ends of the earth as His possession.
There was not anything that Jesus did not possess. We will see that stated even moreso in the following descriptors that we will discuss in a few moments.
The Son was heir to what was rightfully His. Everything belongs to Him. All things are under His glorious control.
This understanding is very important and relevant to us as believers because it reminds us that He can fulfill His promises to us as joint heirs.
Listen to the following two verses:
Romans 8:16–17 (ESV)
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Here we are referred to as joint heirs or fellow heirs with Christ. We must not take this out of context. Jesus Christ is most certainly God, and we are nothing in comparison to His glory and honor and praise. But this shows our relationship to the Father as adopted sons and daughters of the King.
We have the promise of an eternal inheritance with Christ.
This understanding of our place in God’s family - as adopted sons and daughters of the King of kings and Lord of Lords - should increase our faith in the midst of trials.
Despite how difficult life may get, we know the inheritance that awaits us. Eternal life with Jesus.
Next we are told that…
2 - Christ is the Creator of the World
If you recall when we went through the book of Colossians, we heard a very similar statement from Paul.
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
Some may be confused with such a statement. Wasn’t it God that created the heavens and the earth? The answer would be yes. God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them through the Son.
We see this concept even in Genesis 1:26 where we see God say:
Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…
We see that Christ was with God in the beginning. He is co-eternal with God and the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:16 lets us know that through Christ everything was created. Not just this earth. And the author of Hebrews lets us know the same. Our English translation misses the Greek word for world at the end of verse 2. The word translated world at the end of verse 2 actually means the entire universe as well as time itself. It encompasses all of creation.
Sometimes, when things get difficult, we might feel powerless. But we have a Savior who not only made everything, He even made time itself! He is transcendent of time and space - meaning He is completely limitless. How amazing is our wonderful Lord!
Next we see that…
3 - Christ is the Radiance of the Glory of God
The Greek word for radiance is found only here in the New Testament. It means intense brightness and splendor.
Radiance is the best translation of this Greek word. Christ doesn’t reflect the glory of God. We are to be reflectors of God’s glory. Instead, Christ exudes light. He is the light of the world (John 8:12).
This is likely a reference to the Old Testament Shekinah glory that was a manifestation of God’s presence. The Shekinah glory was a shining, visible glory that demonstrated the majesty of God, as in the Exodus (Exodus 13:21; 40:34-35) and the dedication of Solomon’s Temple (1 Kings 8:10-11). God showed His presence through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night as He led the people of Israel. His glory radiated and was shown to the people.
Jesus Christ is the radiance of the glory of God. He is the true Shekinah glory.
Whereas Jesus is like the sun - radiating light from within - we are to be like the moon. We are reflect the glory of Christ to a lost world. Matthew 5:14 charges us to reflect Christ’s light to a lost and dark world.
As you consider this, how well are you bringing glory to God? How well are you reflecting his goodness and glory to a lost world?
You are only able to do this if you have been born again. Only once you are indwelled by God Himself through His Holy Spirit can you shine and reflect the light of Christ into this dark world.
Moving forward we see that…
4 - Christ is the Exact Imprint of God’s Nature
The exact imprint is translated from the Greek word – charakter (ha-rect-air) – meaning engraved character or impress made by a die or seal – in essence like the minted impression on coins that shows that they are authentic. The nature of God, coming from the Greek word hypostasis (who-post-ah-sees), refers to Jesus’s authenticity of being truly God. Jesus is One with the Father.
In other words, if you want to see God, then you need not look any further than the Person of Jesus Christ. Although truly man - He is truly God.
Colossians 1:19 and Colossians 2:9 also assert that in Christ dwells all of the fullness of God.
To further understand the deity of Christ, listen to Jesus’s discussion with the disciple Philip in John 14…
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 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’?
Jesus clearly states that if you have seen Him then you have seen the Father. He is claiming to be God-made-flesh. We see the beautiful oneness of God - though three Persons, they comprise one Triune God.
Next we see that…
5 - Christ Upholds the Universe by the Word of His Power
As a science guy, I love this statement. We saw this as well in the book of Colossians in Colossians 1:17:
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
The author of Hebrews adds that he upholds the universe by the Word of His Power.
The Greek word for upholds here means to support and to maintain. It is a continuous action that never stops. Every single thing in our entire universe is sustained by Jesus Christ.
It is amazing how we live our lives oftentimes in ignorance of such facts. We do not worry about gravity being disrupted and floating off into space. We don’t worry about the earth getting off orbit and finding itself heading toward the sun. We don’t worry about the earth getting thrown off of its axis of around 23.44 degrees which would likely throw our weather systems into disarray.
Why?
It is because of our wonderful Savior who sustains everything. He does it by the Word of His Power. The same Word that created everything is the same Word that maintains everything!
Consider the sheer power of His upholding work!
He upholds the sun - which is so large that anywhere from 1-1.3 million earths could fit inside of it!
Or consider His upholding of the star Betelgeuse which is almost 650 light years away and is 700-1000 times. His amazing power over distance cannot be overstated. Namely, if this star exploded, we wouldn’t see the explosion for 650 years!
According to modern astronomy, there are approximately 100-400 billion stars in our galaxy (The Milky Way) alone. On a clear night, some 4,500-6,000 stars can be visible to the naked eye.
Though mostly theoretical, astronomers suggest that there could very well be billions of galaxies which would provide an estimate of around 10^22-10^24 stars in the observable universe. 10^24 is seen here in this picture at the very bottom and called a septilion!
And our Savior upholds all of this by the Word of His power.
Friends, when things seem too complex to figure out - when life seems too impossible to work out - when you are unsure how God is going to come through this time - remember who upholds the universe.
I am confident that the One who upholds all of this can certainly manage each of the issues that exist in our lives!
These final two points cap off an amazing Christology…
6 - Christ Made Purification for Sins
Purification refers to the completed work of Christ on the cross. Though our sins are as scarlet, Christ has washed us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
The verb tense of this word - purification - is an aorist (air-ist) participle which describes an action that is complete. It is a once-for-all payment for the sins of the world.
This refers to Christ’s work as High Priest. We will see the author later compare His work on the cross to the Levitical high priest’s work on behalf of Israel. Again, Jesus is greater.
2 Corinthians 5:21 states:
For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Jesus Christ paid the penalty that we deserved. He was sinless - yet He took our sin upon Himself so that we might have eternal life.
My friends, I pray that you have repented of your sins and placed your faith and trust in our wonderful Savior. He took our sin being nailed to a cross.
But praise be to God, He didn’t stay there. Although He died and was buried, He rose again. And now…
7 - Christ Sits at the Right Hand of the Father
After rising from the dead, Jesus showed Himself to well over 500 people on earth over a 40 day period. 500 of these saw Him at one time (1 Corinthians 15:6). And there were around 12 different appearances of the resurrected Christ to people either alone or in groups recorded in the Scriptures. He then ascended into heaven and was seated at the right hand of the Father.
The right hand symbolizes the supreme authority of Christ. It shows His high honor. The right hand is the dominant hand among 90% of the population and thus was used in ancient times to show the power one had. This shows that Christ rules with all power and authority as God.
Again, the Old Testament is referenced here as well.
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”
This Scripture will be referenced four more times throughout the book of Hebrews and become an important theme throughout the book as well (Hebrews 1:13, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2). The fact that Christ is at the right hand of the Father is also found in the New Testament at least 6 other times as seen in your handout (Acts 2:33-35, Acts 5:31, Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, 1 Peter 3:22).
The author wants to remind his readers that Christ is exalted and in authority.
There is another important word in this section as well. We are told that Christ sits. This is an important word choice in light of the recent discussion of purification. The high priests of Old Testament Israel would never sit as they entered the Holy of Holies every Yom Kipper - or Day of Atonement - because the work was never done. They would actually wear bells on the tassels of their garments to inform the others waiting outside that they were still working and still alive - namely that they had not been struck down by entering this most holy place.
After these high priests would offer their sacrifices, they would leave the Holy of Holies, only to do so all over again the next year.
But for Jesus - while on the cross - He said:
It is finished. (John 19:30)
He said this because the work was done. No longer would anyone need to have the purification of sins from any further sacrifices. His blood was sufficient to cover the sins of the world and would be applied to everyone who would come to a saving knowledge of Him.
The work of salvation had been completed.
Now, we must note that this doesn’t mean that God isn’t still working. This refers to His saving work. Christ’s work of salvation has been completely accomplished - it is finished. Yet God is still working to this day. He is actively and sovereignly ruling and reigning as we already saw as He upholds everything by the Word of His power.
May we celebrate that we have such a wonderful Savior.
Jesus has been called Prophet, Priest, and King. These verses have shown all three of these titles of Christ. He is Prophet as He brought the final revelation and fulfillment of all of the Messianic prophecies since the Fall of man. He is Priest Who has made purification for our sins. And He is King - sitting at the right hand of the Father as King of kings and Lord of Lords. He is enthroned as King forever. He will come and take His rightful place as King on earth after the Tribulation - thereby showing the entire world that He is God. And one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).
Scripture References: Psalm 2:8, Romans 8:16-17, Colossians 1:16, Genesis 1:26, John 8:12, Shekinah Glory (Exodus 13:21; 40:34-35, 1 Kings 8:10-11), Matthew 5:14, Colossians 1:19, Colossians 2:9, John 14:8-9, Colossians 1:17, Isaiah 1:18, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:6, Psalm 110:1, Christ at the Right Hand of the Father (Hebrews 1:3, 1:13, 8:1, 10:12, 12:2; Acts 2:33-35, Acts 5:31, Romans 8:34; Ephesians 1:20, Colossians 3:1, 1 Peter 3:22), John 19:30, Philippians 2:10-11, John 3:30
Conclusion:
As we come to a close, I pray that you have seen the greatness of Jesus Christ. That will be a consistent theme throughout this book. As we mentioned at the beginning, some scholars actually think that the author intentionally did not want to be named because he didn’t want any attention taken off of Christ.
What a beautiful thought.
I think that a thought like that is a great point for each of us to ponder as we consider the greatness and supremacy of Christ.
We have seen Christ revealed in these verses prophetically as well as powerfully.
As we consider the greatness of Christ, may we consider two things in particular as we conclude today.
May we remember that there is nothing too big or too hard for our Savior to accomplish. None of your problems are too large for Him to handle.
And second, may we seek not to bring ourselves glory, but may we live for His glory alone.
May God forgive us for failing to live for His glory and instead living for our own.
May we live our lives in the way John the Baptist so beautifully modeled as he stated:
He must increase, but I must decrease.”
The more that you learn about our wonderful Savior, the more you will not want to seek your own glory!
