Christ Is Better

1 The prophet Isaiah tells of the birth of the Son of God (Isa. 7:14; 9:6). In Matthew 1:23 the prophecy of the virgin birth of Christ is repeated. Mary is told that her Son’s name would be Jesus, and He would save people from their sin (Matt. 1:21). When Jesus was baptized God spoke from heaven, saying He was well pleased in His Son (Matt. 3:16, 17). Today, God speaks to us through His Son.

Christ IS Spoken (vv. 1–3)

A Speaking (v. 1). In the Old Testament God spoke through the prophets. Both the major and minor prophets spoke God’s Word, revealing man’s sin. They also spoke of Christ’s birth, suffering, and death.

B Son (v. 2). Today God speaks to us through His Son. Christ became human. When God created the world, He said, “Let us make man” (Gen. 1:26). In Colossians 1:16, 17 we learn that in Christ all things consist. John 1:3 tells us that all things were made by Him—Jesus, the Son of God.

C Salvation (v. 3). Jesus became man to understand man. Now He controls the world. He lived, taught, suffered, died, arose, and ascended into heaven. Through this we have salvation (John 3:16).

Christ IS Supreme (vv. 4–8)

A Superiority (v. 4). Christ is above the angels. He is equal to God (see Phil. 2:6). The Old Testament people had to pray through the Jewish priest. Now we call on Christ (Rom. 10:13).

B Son (vv. 5, 6). “For God never said to any angel, ‘You are my Son, and today I have given you the honor that goes with that name.’ But God said it about Jesus. Another time he said, ‘I am his Father and he is my Son.’ And still another time—when his firstborn Son came to earth—God said, ‘Let all the angels of God worship him’ ” (LB).

C Savior (vv. 7, 8)

1 Spirits (v. 7). Angels and ministers are ministers of a flame of fire (Ps. 104:4).

2 Savior (v. 8). “But of his Son he says, ‘Your kingdom, O God, will last forever and ever; its commands are always just and right’ ” (LB).

Christ IS Supernatural (vv. 9–14)

A Power (v. 9). Christ was given power greater than any man. This is a prophecy from Isaiah 61:1, 2 (see Luke 4:18).

B Personal (v. 10). Note how God called Christ “Lord.”

C Permanence (vv. 11, 12). All things and all people will pass, but Christ will remain forever.

D Position (vv. 13, 14). Christ would rule over all. Never did this happen to an angel. Angels are servants; Christ is the Son.

Closing

A Jesus told us to believe in God and in Him (John 14:3). Note the equality of Christ with God (Phil. 2:5–11; cf. John 1:1–3). It shows Christ equal with God, as well as living eternally. God loved the world and gave Jesus. Jesus loved the world and gave His life. God has spoken. Christ has spoken. Now they await our response.