Hope from Hebrews #2 - More Than An Angel

Text: Hebrews 1:4-14

Thesis: To stress the superiority of Jesus over the angels.

Introduction:

(1)   Some view(ed) Jesus as a good man….a prophet….even an angel.

(2)   However, Jesus was/is more than that, He was/is the Son of God.

(3)   Hence, let us look five ways in which Jesus is more than an angel.

Discussion:

I.                   First, He has a superior name (vv. 4-5).

A.    ‘Excellent’ (Gr. diaphoros) means “pertaining to being different, with focus on value” (BDAG).

B.     “In antiquity ‘the name’ meant much more than it does today. We use a name as little more than a distinguishing mark or label to differentiate one person from other people. But in the world of the NT the name concisely sums up all that a person is. One's whole character was somehow implied in the name” (EBC).

C.     The “name” given to Jesus in this context is “Son.”

1.      The author first quotes Psalm 2:7.

2.      The author then quotes 2 Samuel 7:14.

3.      The point is that only Jesus is called “Son;” therefore, He is superior.

D.    Listen to other Scriptures:

1.      God has given Jesus a “name above all names” (Phil. 2:9).

2.      It is only through the name of Jesus that we can be saved (Acts 4:12).

II.                Second, He has a superior honor (vv. 6-7).

A.    In verse 6, the author quotes from Deuteronomy 32:43 & Psalm 97:7 in order to stress Jesus’ superiority by noting that the angels worship Him.

B.     In verse 7, the author quotes from Psalm 104:4 in order to stress Jesus’ superiority by noting that the angels serve Him by being used at His bidding.

III.             Third, He has a superior vocation (vv. 8-9).

A.    Here, the author quotes from Psalm 45:6-7.

B.     Note: Christ is called God in this text.

C.     Jesus is now reigning on His throne ruling over His kingdom (i.e., the church).

D.    The anointing is not about a particular event, but about Jesus’ rightful place.

IV.             Fourth, He has a superior existence (vv. 10-12).

A.    Here, the author quotes from Psalm 102:25-27 in order to stress Jesus’ role as creator and His eternality.

B.     Being the creator of all, He is superior to all of the creation.

V.                Fifth, He has a superior status (vv. 13-14).

A.    Here, the author quotes from Psalm 110:1.

B.     “The passage shows that Christ has already been exalted above this world and carries on his ministry in a new sanctuary ‘not made with hands’ (Heb. 9:11).  To sit at God's throne in Jewish literature means participation in God's judgment over the world (Enoch 51:8; 55:4; 61:8; 62:2; 69:29).  Consequently, Jesus' unique relationship to God expressed here makes him far superior to angels” (LWC).

C.     “Since the angels stand before God (Luke 1:19; Rev 8:2; cf. Dan 7:10), it is a mark of superior dignity that the Son sits” (EBC).

Conclusion:

(1)   Indeed, Jesus was/is more than an angel.  He was/is the Son of God and deserves to be heard by all.

(2)   Have you given your life to the King of kings?