Superior to Angels

Introduction

Last week, we looked at how Jesus is superior to the Old Testament prophets. We saw that Jesus is the one through whom God has spoken in these last days. We saw that Jesus is the heir of all things and that God made the universe through Him. We also saw that Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature. Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word. He made purification for our sins and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

After showing that Jesus was superior to the Hebrew prophets, the writer of Hebrews shows us that Jesus is superior to the angels.

Hebrews 1:4–14 CSB

4 So he became superior to the angels, just as the name he inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did he ever say, You are my Son; today I have become your Father, or again, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son? 6 Again, when he brings his firstborn into the world, he says, And let all God’s angels worship him. 7 And about the angels he says: He makes his angels winds, and his servants a fiery flame, 8 but to the Son: Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions. 10 And: In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; 12 you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end. 13 Now to which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Pray

Let me point out here that there is no doubt that angels exist. However, we do not need to give emphasis to them, talk to them, and certainly not worship them. They were created as being more glorious than us. They have access to the throne room of God and they are awesome creatures that strike fear into those that see them.

But as we will see, they are inferior to Jesus. We must not elevate angels to equal footing with Jesus.

Christ has a Superior name

Jesus is the Son of God; angels are not.

Hebrews 1:5 CSB

5 For to which of the angels did he ever say, You are my Son; today I have become your Father, or again, I will be his Father, and he will be my Son?

Christ and Christ alone is the only begotten Son of God. He and He alone can save us and keep us from eternal death. No angel can do this.

Jesus has a Father-Son relationship with God the Father; angels are not.

It is through this Father-Son relationship that we are granted the adoption as children of God when we are saved. Jesus was perfectly obedient to the Father. It is through faith in His obedience that His obedience is applied to us.

Jesus is worshipped by angels; angels are not worshipped by Him

Hebrews 1:6 CSB

6 Again, when he brings his firstborn into the world, he says, And let all God’s angels worship him.

This verse is a clear indication of the deity of Jesus. God will not break His own law. The Ten Commandments expressly prohibit worshipping anyone other than Him. Yet, the angels worship Jesus, the Son. Why? Because Jesus is God.

Christ is God’s heir

Jesus is God, the Sovereign Majesty who sits upon the throne of God

Hebrews 1:8 CSB

8 but to the Son: Your throne, God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of justice.

Here, the Son is addressed as “God” by God the Father. God the Father calls Jesus Christ God.

The Son has a throne that is eternal.

The Son has an eternal kingdom

Jesus is not a created servant to God. He is the Sovereign Majesty of the Universe. He is God Himself who rules and reigns over the universe.

Jesus has been exalted above all creatures.

Hebrews 1:9 CSB

9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; this is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy beyond your companions.

No angel has been anointed above others as God. No angel has come to earth and secured righteousness for man; only Jesus has done that. Jesus is the only person who can make us acceptable to God.

Christ is the Creator and Sovereign Lord

Jesus created the universe and heaven; angels did not.

Hebrews 1:10–12 CSB

10 And: In the beginning, Lord, you established the earth, and the heavens are the works of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain. They will all wear out like clothing; 12 you will roll them up like a cloak, and they will be changed like clothing. But you are the same, and your years will never end.

1)The universe will end, but Christ is eternal

2) The universe changes, but Christ is eternal

Jesus is the exalted and Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth

Hebrews 1:13 CSB

13 Now to which of the angels has he ever said: Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool?

Angels are the ministering spirits of Jesus, sent to serve believers

Hebrews 1:14 CSB

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

Angels are servants of God for our benefit. We are unaware of their work in our lives. Yet, we can be confident that God is watching over us and dispatches angels to aid us.

Again, our emphasis should never be on the servant, but on the master. Jesus is far superior to all of the angels!