Greater than the Prophets

INTRODUCTION

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Happy New Year. Welcome to 2019. Last week we remembered God’s Word and rejoiced in God’s work in our lives in 2018. How many of you made New Year Resolutions? (Wow). If you didn’t make any resolutions I have a few for you.

· Possible New Year Resolutions

Every year I resolve to not eat “mushrooms” so I’m going with that again in 2019. Why? For starters, mushrooms are disgusting, and that’s the only reason we really need. Generally, I’m able to keep this resolution the whole year, the only danger is pizza and the potlucks. As we make resolutions for the New Year – all of these personal goals and commitments for change in 2019 – I’m want us to consider a “resolution” for us as a church family. If you were going to have us make “resolutions” as a congregation what would they be? What would be good New Year Resolutions for us a church family? Does anything come to mind? (Share – good) I would want us to resolve as a church family to know the greatness of Jesus in our lives.

Need

There are a lot of great things we encounter in life—the birth of a child, a promotion with an increase in salary, the completion of a degree, a dream vacation, a Cowboys playoff win, 50th wedding anniversary, and somewhere we encounter the greatness of Jesus. I’m concerned that in the midst of our life, our encounter with the greatness of Jesus can be minimized (narrowed) to the day He saved, in that moment He was great and your life revolved around Him.

We can be distracted from encountering Jesus’ greatness in our daily lives. We can be discouraged from encountering Jesus’ greatness on a daily basis. Our hearts can be tempted to drift away from Jesus, our hearts can be tempted to doubt the greatness of Jesus, our hearts can begin to stagnate in spiritual immaturity, our hearts can become disobedient, and our hearts can refuse to listen to God.

In the midst of such temptation and threat, we need to be reminded of Jesus’ greatness. In the midst of discouragement and despair that tempts us to drift, live in unbelief, compromise, coast, and disobey, we need to encouraged to press on and encounter the greatness of Jesus. This is what was needed for a group of Christians living in the first century, and this is true for us as Christians today.

Preview

To that end, we begin a new series through the book of HEBREWS: “Encountering the Greatness of Jesus.” Take your Bible and turn to the NT book of Hebrews. If you have your Bible (I hope you do), please turn (click) to the NT book of Hebrews. IF you don’t have a bible feel free to grab one in the pew rack in front of you and follow along as we begin our six-month journey through this incredible book. Hebrews is located towards the end of the NT (after Philemon and before James). You’ll also find a “Sermon Notes” section in the bulletin if you want to use them in this study.

Today we’re going to begin our Sunday morning sermons series in HEBREWS. We’ll begin with an “OVERVIEW” of the overall book as a foundation, and then turn our focus to the opening section of the book with reveals that Jesus is GREATER THAN THE PROPHETS.

I) AN OVERVIEW OF HEBREWS

We begin our journey through this book with an “Overview” of Hebrews. Every time we preach through a book from beginning to end we want to have a solid understanding of the book as a whole before we dig into the details (sections). I suspect there are some of you here this morning that have studied Hebrews, some of you are familiar with parts of Hebrews, and perhaps some of you have never read Hebrews (anyone?).

· What do you know about Hebrews?

· What do you want to know about Hebrews?

I’m excited for us to walk through this book together. The book of Hebrews is a challenging book.

· Chuck Swindoll - “The letter to the Hebrews is not bedside reading. Profound and deep, it requires mental energy and spiritual motivation to grasp its contents.”

We’ll give ourselves to that task as we work our way through this book. My hope is that we will increase our biblical literacy (you’ll walk away having a solid understanding of the message, outline, and key parts of the book), that what we learn will be applied and lived out in our lives, and that we would encounter the greatness of Jesus anew and afresh as a church so that we’ll persevere in our commitment to Him. Let’s turn our attention to our brief “Overview” of Hebrews that will serve as the foundation of our study.

Author ~ God

God is the “Author” of this letter to the Hebrews for reminds us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so the man of God may be adequate, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I always want to affirm our belief that this is God’s Word—it was God-breathed—meaning it originated with God as He spoke through men to record His Word. It’s authoritative! It’s profitable for us to study it for by it we are instructed, reproved, corrected, and trained as followers of Jesus Christ.

Penman ~ ?

How about the penman? God is the author but who was the penman? Who wrote the book of Hebrews by the power of the Holy Spirit? Typically we find a “penman” identified in the opening section of NT letters but that’s missing in Hebrews. Unlike many other New Testament writings, the author does not identify himself in the opening statement of the book. A study of Hebrews begins with a bit of tension. Throughout history, scholars and layman alike have been unable to state with complete confidence “who” penned the book of Hebrews. Many different suggestions about authorship have been defended. Let’s look at four of the main views that have been proposed.

· Priscilla and Aquilla

Their “instruction to Apollos, they were associated with Timothy; they were host and hostess in Rome; the transition back and forth from “we” and “I” would be suitable for a married couple; and the disappearance of the author’s name from the memory of the church could be explained by the same anti-feminist tendency of the Western Text.” (F.F. Bruce, NICNT, The Epistle to the Hebrews, xi) A second option is

Barnabas

He was a Levite which could explain the strong emphasis of the Levitical system, he was called the “son of Encouragement” in and the book has a heavy emphasis on exhortation (13:22).

Apollos

Luther presented a relatively strong argument for Apollos as the author because of his reputation of being a man of eloquence and his vast knowledge of the Scriptures (). During the Reformation Calvin suggested that Luke or Clement of Rome.

· Paul

Many believe Paul was the author. Homer A Kent Jr. wrote “by far the most prominent candidate is the apostle Paul. (Kent, The Epistle to the Hebrews, 17). Clement of Alexandria suggested that Paul wrote the book in Hebrew and Luke translated it in Greek. Support of Pauline authorship is found in the reference to Timothy in (Paul was associated with Timothy throughout his ministry) and the emphasis on the Israel and the new covenant. Still, there is overwhelming evidence that argues against Pauline authorship. First, there is no personal identification of himself in the opening of the letter (a normal Pauline trademark), the style of writing isn’t consistent with Paul, and the exclusive use of quotations from the Septuingant, and in “ the writer appears to place himself outside of the Apostlolic band. (Toussaint, Class notes on Hebrews, 1).

There remains no undeniable evidence for who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. F.F. Bruce’s best attempt at framing an author is found in his statement: “The author was a second generation Christian, well versed in the study of the Septuagint, was a master of a fine rhetorical style…a Hellenist (Greek?)….we might well describe him as a “learned man….mighty in the scriptures. (Bruce, NICNT, Hebrews, xlii).

Audience – Jewish Christians in Rome

Indentifying the recipients of this letter is important because it is foundational to understanding the purpose of the book. The letter fails to identify its readers as being Jews or Gentiles but it must be noted that this is not a circular letter or a general Epistle. It is identified as the Epistle to the Hebrews which suggests that it is addressed to a specific audience in a specific location. The book is distinctively Jewish in nature. The letter implies that they are Jewish Christians (Hebrew). We discover at the close of the book Christians in Italy wanted to send their greetings to these believers (). The letter highlights that the recipients were enduring great persecution (). It seems most plausible that the epistle was sent to Jewish Christians living in Rome.

Date ~ A.D. 62-64

The book of Hebrews was probably written very early. We know that Clement of Rome’s usage of Hebrews pushes the date of writing before A.D. 95. The implication that the Jewish sacrificial system was still in place pushes the date before the destruction of the Temple in A.D. 70. It appears the book was written before Nero launched widespread Christian persecution in A.D. 64. The reference to Timothy () argues for a relatively early date. It seems safe to suggest that a date in the “early sixties accords well with the data available” (Kent, Epistle to the Hebrews, 27) and “a date of 62 suits fairly well.” (Toussaint, Notes on Hebrews, 2).

Purpose/Message

Why was the author writing these Jewish Christians? The purpose of the book will determine how one understands the argument, theology, and exhortations (the warning passages) in the book. Hebrews was written as a “word of exhortation” (). Hebrews has been described as written “sermon” sent to encourage Jewish Christians. There is a two-fold purpose for his writing.

First, the author writes to reveal that Christianity is better than Judaism—Salvation in Jesus Christ is Superior—therefore access to the Father through faith in His Son Jesus Christ is the culmination of Judaism. The author proclaims that “Christianity is superior to Judaism.” (Baily/Constable, New Testament Introduction, 505)

Secondly, he challenges his audience to persevere in the faith. He challenges them to move on to maturity instead of returning to the empty life of Judaism. Louis H. Evans Jr. writes “he is equally concerned to goad them on to living out their faith and obedience to God and growing up to maturity of faith.” (Evans, Communicators Commentary, 31)

Hebrews called the Jewish Christians to persevere in the faith. He’s writing to Jewish Christians, people who at one time in their lives were faithful adherents to Judaism. He’s writing to people who were at one time faithful worshipers of Yahweh, faithfully followers of God’s Law & the prophets, faithful adherents to the sacrificial system, and then heard the gospel, and professed faith in JEuss as Savior, Lord, and Christ. These Jewish Christians carried all the beliefs of the Old Covenant system, learned how Jesus fulfilled sacrificial system and inaugurated a New Covenant by His blood, and when they began following Jesus they eventually experienced persecution not only from Roman ruler but from their Jewish friends and family who ostracized them for their profession of faith in Jesus. They had their goods confiscated, were cut of from the holy places and the sanctuary, and treated as unclean Gentiles and apostates. They were left to fend for themselves, many without homes, jobs, respect, and protection. And it’s possible that they were living in a time when Nero was ruling Rome. Nero hated Christians. It’s been reported that he lit his garden by burning the corpses of Christians and he blamed Christians for the great fire that broke out in Rome in A.D. 4. This is the situation of the “Jesus Jews” living in the first century. When this calamity came there way, they became discouraged and began to doubt. It appears that they these Hebrews were beginning to believe that their faith in Jesus of Nazareth was a mistake, a delusion, or even a sin. Were they right while the vast majority of their brethren wrong? Was their lack of prosperity a sign that God was displeased with their decision to follow Jesus? And all of this presented the temptation to “abandon” their profession of Christianity. Can you imagine how they felt? What if that happened to you after your profession of faith in Jesus? How would you respond if you were ostracized, alienated, and persecuted by family, friends, and the government because of your faith? What if things became so burdensome and painful? Would you be tempted to go back to your old way of life? That’s the heart of this letter!

The message of the book is very timely for our day because it Hebrews calls people to see the superiority of Jesus and calls people out of spiritual superficiality. Author Phillip Hughes writes:

If there is a widespread unfamiliarity with the Epistle to the Hebrews and its teaching, it is because so many adherents of the church have settled for an understanding and superficial association with the Christian faith. Yet it was to arouse just such persons from the lethargic state of compromise and complacency into which they had sunk, and to incite them to persevere wholeheartedly in the Christian conflict, that this letter was originally written. It is a tonic for the spiritually debilitated.…We neglect such a book to our own impoverishment.1

We are studying Hebrews because of its rich doctrine that exalts the superiority of Jesus Christ—we’re going to see the greatness of Jesus on full display—greater than any religion and no need for spirituality apart from Him. We study Hebrews for the practical and pastoral exhortations to “persevere” in the faith. Hebrews is a loving exhortation, a brief sermon if you will, encouraging us to persevere because of the superiority of Jesus Christ! The letter reassures us to press on when your life is overcome by doubts, discouragement, and disillusion or the presence of pain, peril, and persecution! It will reassure us that Christ is “the Way, the truth, and the life” in a world that rejects, ridicules, and reasons away the Christian faith! I pray that our Hebrews series will stir our hearts to a deeper understanding of Jesus’ greatness, a deeper commitment to Him, and an enduring perseverance in the Christian faith.

Features

OT/Jewish Background (Connects to OT with the NT) An Ancient Homily/Sermon Five Warning Passages

Outline

I) THE DECLARATION OF JESUS’ GREATNESS (1:1-10:18)

A) Superior in His Person (1:1-7:28)

B) Superior in His Ministry (8:1-10:18)

II) THE CALL TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY (10:19-13:17)

A) Exhortations to Persevere in Faith (10:19-12:29)

B) Instructions for Christian Living (13:1-17)

III) THE CONCLUSION (13:18-25)

I hope that “Overview” of Hebrews is a helpful introduction to our series through believe that having a proper understanding of the original context and intent of this letter will guide us as we walk through the deep truths of this book. Let’s begin our journey/study through the book of Hebrews. Let’s dig in. Follow along as we consider the opening declaration in . . Read . Wow! The penman of HEBREWS packs a great deal into the opening of this “word of exhortation.” In this opening declaration we discover that Jesus is Greater than the Prophets. Let’s take a closer look at this declaration together.

II) JESUS IS GREATER THAN THE PROPHETS

You might notice immediately that the opening of Hebrews is different from other NT letters. We don’t find the typical “Introduction” that contains the familiar characteristics of a 1st Century letter. Look back at the opening of the letter to Philemon. In typical fashion we find a description of the writer, his audience, and a formal greeting. Now look ahead at the next letter, James. You find the same characteristics. Hebrews has a unique “Prologue” or “Introduction.” We find no reference to the penman, audience, or formal greeting. Instead the penman “hits the ground running” by laying a theological foundation of the entire letter—the greatness (superiority) of Jesus! In fact if we go back to the Outline of the book we see this theme of the Superiority (greatness) of Jesus Christ runs from . We’re going to see the greatness of Jesus revealed over and over and over again! The greatness of Jesus’ personhood and the superiority of Jesus’ priestly ministry is emphasized chapter after chapter after chapter. I don’t know if that’s sunk in yet. Do you know what that means? I’m going to be preaching about the greatess of Jesus over and over and over again in this series—for weeks on end—and will be trying to do it without boring you or sounding like a broken record. We won’t be able to get around Jesus’ greatness. We won’t be able to get it off our minds! I hope that thrills you instead of kills you!

In the opening introduction we find the grand declaration that Jesus is greater than the prophets which lays the first stone in the theological foundation of this letter. Proclaiming Jesus’ superiority over the prophets was no small thing in light of the fact that God has so powerfully revealed Himself to Israel through the prophets. We see Jesus’ superiority over the prophets is two-fold. Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is a “Superior Messenger” and Jesus has a

A) Jesus revealed a Superior Message (1:1-2)

In we discover that Jesus revealed a “Superior Message” “A Superior Message” This is highlighted by the contrast between God’s revelation in the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. We find a clear contrast hear between how God spoke in the past and how God spoke in this final epoch of history.

1) God’s Revelation in the Old Covenant (1:1)

highlights “God’s Revelation in the Old Covenant.” We see that God revealed Himself in the past. As we read the opening declaration of Hebrews let us not miss one of the most foundational truths of biblical Christianity—God has revealed Himself to us—God is not silent but chooses to speak to reveal Himself to us. God is not some ethereal spirit-being who is distant and disengaged from His creation. God has spoken and apart from His revelation of Himself we would be living in darkness and desperation. God has spoken, He has revealed Himself—in general ways like through creation—and in special ways like through the prophets.

God’s revelation of Himself in the Old Covenant was primarily accomplished through prophets, it was not the exclusive way He revealed Himself, but it was the primary way He spoke to His people! The penman highlights that God has spoken to their forefathers through the prophets. The writer of Hebrews reminded the first century Jewish Christians that God had spoken (revealed Himself) to their ancestors in the past primarily through prophets. God distinctly revealed Himself through these special servants who were called to communicate His message. The test of a true prophet was 100% accuracy () who communicated His divine words with one hundred percent accuracy.

God’s revelation of Himself through these servants “at many times and in various ways” 1:1)—God’s revelation of Himself through the prophets on many different occasions and in a variety of different ways. God spoke through the prophets during eras of history, in the time of the patriarchs, the judges, and during the reigns of different kings. God spoke through the prophets in various ways—He spoke to Moses in storm and thunder, to Elijah in a still small voice, and others through visions & dreams so they might know Him and communicate His Word! God spoke messages of judgment and mercy through the prophets! The evidence of God’s revelation through the prophets is the collection of books with interesting names located in the middle of your Bible (Habakkuk, Nahum, Obadiah, Malachi, Amos, Jeremiah, Micah, Nahum).

2) God’s Revelation in the New Covenant (1:2)

In we find God’s revelation of Himself in the Old Covenant contrasted with “God’s Revelation in the New Covenant. God’s revelation of Himself through the prophets in the past is contrasted with God’s revelation of Himself in a new era—"but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (1:2)—God’s revelation of Himself in the past through the prophets is contrasted with a greater revelation of Himself through His Son. God’s revelation of Himself through His son in the New Covenant is greater than God’s revelation of Himself through the prophets in the Old Covenant. The NT repeatedly reveals the “identity” of God’s son as none other than Jesus. During His earthly ministry Jesus presented/declared himself to be “the son of God.” The most familiar Bible verse declares “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotton son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (). John’s gospel also reveals Jesus would heal a man’s sickness “so the Son of God may be glorified” () and whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (). Many people questioned this declaration up to the point of His death on the cross () and yet others declared Jesus “truly was God’s son” (). Jesus is the “eternal” Son of God – He was never created and has always existed – and He shares the divine essence of the Father. God’s revelation of Himself began with the prophets but culminated in His Son!

The phrase “last days” is used in the OT to refer to the age or time leading up to the golden age of the Millennium. Most Jews thought of time as two specific ages—the present age and the age to come—and in this case the “last days” refers to the final age or epoch before His return and the dawn of the Millennium. The “last days” are the beginning of a “new era” inaugurated by Jesus’ first coming – and in this new era God spoke through His son – and so the first century Jewish Christians were living in what they called the “last days.” We are currently living in the “last days” (new era which began with the birth of Jesus) as we await the dawn of the final age (when Jesus returns a second time). God’s revelation of Himself through His Son is seen greater revelation than the prophets. God has spoken through His son – Jesus – and God’s revelation of Himself through Jesus is greater than His revelation of Himself through the prophets. Our theology textbooks declare that God speak through His Son Jesus is “special revelation.” Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation—the climax of God speaking to us—for all who regard prophets highly must now regard the Son more highly!

Jesus is greater than the prophets because He has revealed a “Superior Message” than the OT prophets! The contrast is clear. God spoke in the past through prophets which gave way to God speaking through His Son. God’s revelation through the prophets was introductory, fragmented, temporary, and incomplete but God’s revelation through Jesus is consistent and complete. Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation of Himself and there is no progression beyond Him.

B) Jesus is a Superior Messenger (1:2-3)

Secondly, Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is a “Superior Messenger.” Jesus is a Superior Messenger. Jesus is a greater messenger than the prophets because of who He is and what He has done. In we find seven descriptions of God’s Son – seven descriptions which clearly reveal that Jesus is greater than the prophets – and this description was likely recorded and recited as an ancient hymn. The descriptions of Jesus reveal Him to be greater than the prophets in light of who He is and what He has done.

1) Jesus is the heir of everything (1:2)

First, Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the appointed heir of everything. Jesus is the appointed heir of everything. Jesus is the one to whom the Father has appointed heir of all things” (1:2)—as God’s son Jesus will inherit His Father’s possessions—He is One the Father has appointed to inherit everything in creation. The declaration of Jesus as an “appointed heir” reveals that He is God’s anointed One (Messiah). In we find a declaration addressed to God’s Anointed One which says “I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession” (). Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the One who inherits everything in earth and in heaven—all He is the appointed heir of the earth, the universe, and the world to come and therefore is Lord of all!

Jesus was rich and became poor so that we might be rich. Jesus had no place to lay his head, he was supported by others, and eventually had everything stripped from Him as he was crucified naked, he was buried in a tomb that was purchased by someone else, and yet one day Jesus will inherit all things.

Jesus’ inheritance of all things was inaugurated at His first coming but will be fully consummated at His second coming when “all things will be put under His feet (rule)” (). The church is a part of Jesus’ glorious inheritance as the appointed heir of all things (). Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the appointed heir of everything! Jesus is the One who will possess and rule over all creation.

2) Jesus is the creator of the universe (1:2)

Secondly, Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the creator of everything. In we gave the declaration of God created all things through His Son—“through whom also he made the universe” (1:2)—here we fin God the Father as the “source” (origin) of the created order and Jesus as the Father’s “agent” in the creative process. The Father created all things through Jesus. The word “universe” (aion) is often translated as “age” but here refers to the “whole created universe of time and space” (NICNT).

- In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made

- 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

Everything that was created was created by the Father through the Son (Jesus). Jesus had a role in the creation. Jesus was present at the creation of the universe but not as an idle by-stander who observed the Father create all things. Jesus was the Father’s active agent in the creation of the universe. The Father brought this universe (the heavens and the earth) into existence through Jesus. Jesus is greater than the prophets because He was the creator of everything!

3) Jesus radiates the glory of God (1:3)

Number 3 – Jesus is greater than the prophets because He radiates the glory of God. Jesus us declared to be “the radiance of God’s glory” (1:3)—it means that Jesus is the source of God’s glory and God’s glory shines forth from Him—Jesus possesses divine glory and shines for the glory of God. In the Scriptures the “glory” of God is depicted as “light.” The “shekinah glory” of God blazes forth. The “glory of God” settled on Mount Sinai. When Moses came down from Sinai after receiving the Law his “face shone because he was talking with God” (). Jesus’ “glory” was revealed to Peter & John on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mark). The radiance of glory depicts the rays of the sun, emanating and display the brilliance of the sun, and yet source of light and the radiance of light can’t be separated for where there is light there is radiance and where there is radiance there is light. In the same way, Jesus possesses and displays the Father’s glory. Jesus is the “glorious light of God.” The Father’s glory has been manifested to us through Jesus, He possesses divine glory and He personifies divine glory, and therefore Jesus is greater than the prophets because He radiates the glory of God!

4) Jesus is divine (1:3)

Number 4: Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is divine. In Jesus is described as “the exact representation of His being” (1:3)—Jesus is the exact representation of the Father’s divine essence. The ESV says Jesus is “the exact imprint of God’s nature” and the NET bible says Jesus is the “representation of God’s essence.” The phrase “exact representation” is translated from the Greek Word “character,” a term primarily used to speak of “engraving,” “coin minting,” or “stamp making. The imprint or seal on a coin, stamp, or seal bears the exact representation of the original. Each coin or stamp bears exact resemblance of the original imprint, mold, or seal.

Embosser Illustration

In the same way, Jesus is declared to be the One who bears the very “stamp” or “imprint” of the Father’s divine nature, essence, or being. Jesus both the “character” and “icon” of God. Jesus is declared to be the exact representation of the Father’s divine being—Jesus bears the exact likeness of His Father’s divine essence—He is truly divine. In this declaration we are confronted with the reality of Jesus’ deity. Jesus is God in the flesh. Jesus is both God and man. Jesus possesses the very divine essence as the Father. Jesus’ possession of the Father’s divine essence enabled Jesus to tell Phillip “If you have seen me you have seen the Father” (). Jesus’ possession of two natures (divine and human) is described by theologians as the “hypostatic union. In Jesus we have the perfect union of divine nature and human nature. Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is divine.

5) Jesus is sustaining the universe (1:3)

Number 5: Jesus is greater than the prophets because He governs the universe. Jesus governs the universe. Jesus’ governing of the universe is found in the declaration that He is “sustaining all things by his powerful word” (1:3)—Jesus is the One who “upholds” (ESV) or “sustains” all things (NET). Jesus is declared to be the One who “causes things to continue,” Jesus sustains and maintains everything, Jesus is “causing everything to continue to be as it is by His powerful word.” Jesus is the sustainer of all that is happening in this world.

Many people doubt the existence of God. Many people believe that this world was created by a “big bang” and all things in this world are running randomly on its own. Many people believe God created the world, setting things into motion, but is now distant and disengaged in the running of the world (deist) as if He’s sitting back aloof. What do you believe? God’s Word reveals that Jesus is both creator and sustainer of all things. Jesus is the One governing creation and carrying things forward to their appointed end.

Picture of Atlas

Jesus is not merely depicted as the mythological figure Atlas (show picture) bearing the weight of the world on His shoulders. Jesus is not merely “upholding” the world but is progressively moving things along to their predetermined and ultimate end! Jesus is declared to be the “sustainer of all things” and in Jesus “all things hold together” (). Jesus is in the creator of all things and in control of all things! Jesus is not aloof and apathetic! Jesus right now “governing” all things and bringing them to their intended course. He is carrying and supporting all things to the end! Jesus’ sustaining presence to “govern” all things to their appointed end is another way to speak of God’s providence. Jesus is “sustaining” (governing) all the affairs of the man in order to bring about God’s ultimate purposes and plan. Jesus is greater than the prophets because He is the governing the universe.

6) Jesus has provided cleansing for sin (1:3)

Number 6: Jesus is greater than the prophets because He has provided cleansing for sin Jesus provides cleansing from sin. In we find a reference to Jesus’ ministry as high priest—“After He had provided purification for sins he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (1:3)—the first part of the this declaration highlights Jesus’ ministry as the great high priest who has provided cleansing for sin. Jesus’ ministry as high priest and His greater priesthood will be one of the major themes of Hebrews. Jesus’ greater priesthood is highlighted right from the beginning of this sermon. The penman declared that Jesus is the One who “provided purification for sins,” it reveals that Jesus is the one who had “accomplished cleansing for sins (NET), and here we move from Jesus’ cosmic greatness as Creator and Governor to His priestly greatness as the One who provided cleansing from sin. Any discussion of “purification of sin” is connected to the OT concept of the Day of Atonement () and the blood of the covenant () whereby animals were sacrificed by the priests in order to cover (atone) for the sins of the people. Jesus provided “purification for sin” through His own sacrifice. Jesus offered up Himself as a sacrifice (priestly work) to bring cleansing from sin. All of the OT sacrifices were simply foreshadowing a greater sacrifice that would provide complete and permanent cleansing for sin. The animal sacrifices under the Old Covenant were repeated and temporary. Jesus provided the perfect and permanent sacrifice, no more are needed, for His sacrifice accomplished cleansing for our sin. Once Jesus made the sacrifice for sins through His death, he was resurrected from the dead, and he eventually “sat down” – this is a figurative expression that highlights that His work as high priest was done – for His sacrifice provided final cleansing for sin once and for all.

The book of Hebrews is going to repeatedly highlight Jesus’ greater priesthood, revealing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT sacrificial system, and this repeated declaration was designed to encourage the Jewish Christians to persevere in their faith. Returning to the OT Covenant would be futile for Jesus is the One who has made purification for sins once and for all. Jesus is greater than the prophets because He offers cleansing from sin.

7) Jesus has been exalted to the position of highest honor (1:3)

Number 7: Jesus is greater than the prophets because He was exalted to the position of highest honor. Finally, in we discover that Jesus is exalted to the position of highest honor—“After he provided purification for sin, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (1:3)—now we turn our focus to the second half of this declaration which highlights Jesus’ exaltation to the position of highest honor. After Jesus’ death he was resurrected, ascended into heaven, and “sat down” at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven because He had finished His priestly ministry. The language is a figurative expression that marks the finality of Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice. No more sacrifice was needed, Jesus was the final sacrifice for sin.

The focus of this declaration is on Jesus’ exaltation. Once again this description of Jesus “sitting down” at the “right hand of God” is a poetic and figurative expression of His exalted position of honor—for God the Father has no physical “right hand” but one’s “right hand” was the place of superior power and ultimate honor—and the description of God as “the Majesty in heaven” describes Jesus’ being exalted to the highest place of honor where the Majestic One or the great one resides. Jesus’ exaltation to the highest place of honor is a fulfillment of —a psalm that has God inviting His anointed One to “sit at His right hand” (place of highest honor) until the day His enemies will be conquered—and this declaration echoes Paul’s declaration that God highly exalted Jesus and “bestowed upon Him the name that is above very name so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (). Jesus is greater than the prophets because He has been exalted to the place of highest honor.

The seven-fold description of Jesus clearly reveals He is greater than the prophets. The descriptions also highlight His ministry as Prophet (Par Excellance), Priest, and King.

APPLICATION

The opening section of Hebrews boldly proclaims that Jesus is Greater than the Prophets! Jesus revealed “A Superior Message” and Jesus is clearly “A Superior Messenger” because of who He is and what He has done. reveals that He is the pinnacle of God’s These truths about Jesus were intended to serve as an encouragement for the Jewish Christians who questioning the truth about Jesus and tempting to return to Judaism instead of faithfully following Christ. Why return to the old way of life in light of who Jesus is as prophet, priest, and king?

We don’t share the same pressure and persecution to turn back from following Jesus like the Christians in the first century. And yet, our hearts can become discouraged, despairing, deceived, and disillusioned, tempting us to question the greatness of Jesus and our commitment to following Him. The description of Jesus’ greatness are intended to serve as an encouragement to us as we read and reflect on the greatness of Jesus. The profound truths about the greatness of Jesus have serious implications for our lives.

1) Listen to what God has spoken through Jesus

First, since Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation we’re compelled to “Listen to what God has spoken through Jesus.” “Listen to what God has spoken through Jesus.” Jesus is greater than the prophets – God has spoken with authority and finality in Jesus – what the prophets revealed was good but it was fulfilled and completed by Jesus. The booming voice from heaven that day on the Mount of Transfiguration that said “This is my Son, my chosen One, listen to Him” is true today. We must “heed” what God has said in Jesus.

God is personal. He has spoken and continues to speak. is a sense that we all want to “hear God speak to us” and He is still speaking today. God has the power to speak to us audibly. I’m not sure I’d really want to experience hearing God’s voice audibly. And yet God has chosen to speak to us through Jesus. Since Jesus is the “Superior Messenger”—greater than the prophets—He is the pinnacle of God’s revelation of Himself! God’s revelation of Himself through Jesus has been recorded in the pages of the Bible. God has spoken in Jesus has been recorded in this book! All that He wanted to say He has said in His son! Therefore there is no need for new revelation from God.

Sometimes in our longing for communion with God we strive to find new avenues to hear from God. It can lead you down a dangerous road of unbiblical spirituality. You don’t need God a need a horoscope, a physic, or a palm reading. You don’t need God to speak to you through dreams and visions. You don’t need to read the “Book of Mormon” as the Last Testament of Jesus. You don’t need listen to a self-proclaimed Prophet on T.V. telling you that He has a message from God for you! They might call themselves a Prophet but they do not carry the same authority as the OT and NT prophets whom God spoke through in the past. Jesus is greater than the prophets and the ministry of any so-called prophet is different from the “apostles and prophets” upon whom the church was built. For those who have the “spiritual gift” of prophecy, it’s a ministry of “forth-telling” what has already been revealed by God in the Scriptures. Whatever message a fellow believer “prophesies” will always match up with what God has revealed in the Son and must always align with Scripture because it originate from the Spirit. Therefore the gift of prophecy is not proclaiming new revelation from God but rather confirming, reminding, and illuminating what God has already revealed through His Son who is the pinnacle of God’s revelation.

So how should we respond? Instead of looking for new revelation from God, listen to the final revelation that He has given in Jesus. You need to remember the words of the Father “This is My Son, whom I love. Listen to Him.” () Listen to Jesus. His voice is heard clearly as the Spirit reminds you of what He said which has been recorded in the Scriptures! What God has spoken in the Son is His decisive word! It will not be followed in this age by any greater revelation. This is the foundation truth that the penman was trying to communicate to the Jewish Christians. The final Word of God is the person of Jesus, the teaching of Jesus, and the work of Jesus (No additives needed).

Let’s listen to God speak, the living Word of God has revealed God’s final message, and this message is recorded in the written Word of God. Read the Word – Listen to God speak to you through the Word – get to know God and His greatness through what has been revealed in the Word. John Piper confessed his own discontent in hearing God’s voice and the need for him to keep listening to what God has spoken through Jesus revealed in the Word of God.

When I complain that I don't hear the Word of God, when I feel a desire to hear the voice of God, and get frustrated that he does not speak in ways that I may crave, what am I really saying? Am I really saying that I have exhausted this final decisive Word revealed to me so fully in the New Testament? Have I really exhausted this Word? Has it become so much a part of me that it has shaped my very being and given me life and guidance? Or have I treated it lightly—skimmed it like a newspaper, dipped in like a taste tester—and then decided I wanted something different, something more? This is what I fear I am guilty of more than I wish to admit. God is calling us to hear his final decisive Word—to meditate on it and study it and memorize it and linger over it and soak in it until it saturates us to the center of our being.

As Piper said we must strive to exhaust the final and decisive Word revealed in the NT. Have you exhausted this Word? Are you listing to this Word? Are you being transformed by this Word daily? You need to know that Christ is enough, the superior and sufficient Word, and we must listen to what the Father has spoken in Him! We must find satisfaction and rest in this for there is no need to advance beyond Christ! As “The Superior Messenger” Jesus is greater than the prophets and the pinnacle of God’s revelation!

2) Solidify your convictions (beliefs) about Jesus

Secondly, the opening section of Hebrews compels you to “Solidify your convictions about Jesus.” “Solidify your convictions about Jesus. In the opening section of Hebrews we encounter the greatness of Jesus – the seven declarations highlight that Jesus is greater than the prophets – and each statement teaches us the truth about Jesus. The statements highlighting Jesus’ greatness should radically impact your convictions about Jesus.

Convictions are a set of beliefs you stand upon. Hebrews teaches deep theology – it highlights “Christology” (teaching about Christ) which is one of the ten basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Many people are confused about Jesus. Many people deny these truths about Jesus. Many people fail to acknowledge and accept the greatness of Jesus. How about you?

What are your convictions (beliefs) about Jesus? Hebrews clears us confusion about Jesus. Hebrews corrects our erroneous beliefs and misunderstandings about Jesus. Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus is the appointed heir of everything, the creator of the universe, who radiates God’s glory, is God in the flesh, the One who is sustaining all things to their appointed end, the One who has provided cleansing for our sins through His sacrifice, and the One who has been exalted to the highest position of honor.

Will you stand upon these convictions about Jesus? Will they shape your life?—how you live and what you say?—will they become the foundation of your life today and always? Jesus is great – He is the One whom we must trust, the One in whom we have access to the Father, and the One in whom we must put our Hope. May the truths about Jesus become convictions that lead to a deeper commitment, consecration, and celebration of Him in your life!

3) Exalt Jesus every day of our lives

Finally, the greatness of Jesus compels us to exalt Him. “Exalt Jesus everyday of your life.” “Exalt Jesus every day of your life.” As we encounter the greatness of Jesus in the book of Hebrews it should motivate to worship Him, our lives should be lived making much about Jesus, He is worthy of our worship. The truth about Jesus’ greatness is more than interesting theology, it calls for a response, and it beckons us to bow before Him in worship.

CONCLUSION

Refresh – New Year’s Resolutions will come and go, some are followed though more than others, like my resolution to not eat mushrooms every year. A wonderful and life-changing resolution for us as a church family would be to know the greatness of Jesus is our lives each day. Our journey through HEBREWS will help us encounter the greatness of Jesus.

Renew

Our hearts can be discouraged and distracted from knowing the greatness of Jesus. Today we’ve been reminded of Jesus’ greatness. Jesus is greater than the prophets – Jesus is the pinnacle of God’s revelation – for in Jesus we have “A Superior Message” and “A Superior Messenger.” Right from the beginning, Hebrews reveals that the greatness of Jesus is unrivaled and unparalleled – His greatness has a profound and life-changing implications for our lives.

Restate - Let’s be a church that…

· Listens to what God has spoken through Jesus

· Solidifies our convictions about Jesus

· Exalts Jesus each day of our lives.

Our encounter with the greatness of Jesus has just begun. Our journey through Hebrews is going to cause us to see the greatness of Jesus on full display over and over and over again, and that’s good, because I don’t ever want us to forget it and I want it to transform us. Let’s pray!