JESUS' SUPERIORITY TO THE ANGELS
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Transcript
INTRODUCTION
The topic of angels has certainly become a popular subject these days...
The topic of angels has certainly become a popular subject these days...
Bookstores are filled with books dealing with angels
Popular TV shows and movies of the past depict angels working in our lives (“Highway To Heaven”, “Touched By An Angel”, “It’s A Wonderful Life”)
Angels were also an important part of the Jewish religion...
Angels were also an important part of the Jewish religion...
Angels assisted with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai
2 And he said, Jehovah came from Sinai, And rose from Seir unto them; He shined forth from mount Paran, And he came from the ten thousands of holy ones: At his right hand was a fiery law for them.
17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands upon thousands: The Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the sanctuary.
53 ye who received the law as it was ordained by angels, and kept it not.
19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
Angels appeared throughout the history of Israel, coming to Abraham, Daniel, and many others
Since the purpose of The Epistle To The Hebrews is to show the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant to the Law of Moses it is necessary that the writer have something to say about angels
Since the purpose of The Epistle To The Hebrews is to show the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant to the Law of Moses it is necessary that the writer have something to say about angels
So it is that we find the comparison of the Son to prophets followed now by a comparison to angels
4 having become by so much better than the angels, as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son? 6 And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. 7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire: 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail. 13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
The premise is clearly stated that the Son (Jesus) is “so much better than the angels” (Heb. 1:4)
The reason in a nutshell is that “He hath inherited a more excellent name than they”
That name is “Son” - a title that only Jesus can properly wear
That name is “Son” - a title that only Jesus can properly wear
Angels may be called “sons of God” collectively (Job 1:6)
But no angel can be called this name individually!
As evidence for the superiority of Jesus over angels, the author proceeds to offer scriptural support from the Old Testament.
As evidence for the superiority of Jesus over angels, the author proceeds to offer scriptural support from the Old Testament.
His first two quotations are to prove...
His first two quotations are to prove...
DISCUSSION
JESUS IS THE “SON”
JESUS IS THE “SON”
5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, This day have I begotten thee? and again, I will be to him a Father, And he shall be to me a Son?
Two prophecies refer to the Messiah as “Son”
Two prophecies refer to the Messiah as “Son”
The first prophecy is...
7 I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; This day have I begotten thee.
A psalm depicting the enthronement of the Messiah (the Lord’s Anointed)
In which Jehovah calls the Messiah “My Son”
The phrase “begotten thee” has reference to the resurrection of Jesus
33 that God hath fulfilled the same unto our children, in that he raised up Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,
The second prophecy is...
14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: if he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men;
This passage had immediate application to Solomon, David’s son
But as the Messiah who would receive the throne of David was also descended from David - It’s ultimate application would be to the Messiah
That is, Jesus - the “son of David”
47 And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, and say, Jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me.
42 Hath not the scripture said that the Christ cometh of the seed of David, and from Bethlehem, the village where David was?
But no angel is ever called “my Son”
Collectively they were called “sons of God”, but never individually!
This not only demonstrates Jesus’ superiority to angels...
It proves that Jesus Himself was not an angel!
Contrary to what some (such as JWs) believe
The superiority of Jesus over the angels is further illustrated as we consider verse 6
The superiority of Jesus over the angels is further illustrated as we consider verse 6
JESUS IS “THE FIRSTBORN” WHO RECEIVES WORSHIP
JESUS IS “THE FIRSTBORN” WHO RECEIVES WORSHIP
6 And when he again bringeth in the firstborn into the world he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.
Jesus is described as “the firstborn”
Jesus is described as “the firstborn”
The term “firstborn” does not always mean “born first”
It is also used in the Scriptures as a metaphor to describe one who occupies the rank and privilege of being firstborn (without literally being “firstborn”)
Used by God in this way to refer to the nation of Israel
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith Jehovah, Israel is my son, my first-born:
Used by God in this way to refer to David, youngest of eight -
20 I have found David my servant; With my holy oil have I anointed him:
27 I also will make him my first-born, The highest of the kings of the earth.
It is used of Jesus in this way to stress His preeminence over creation...
As Paul explains in...
15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; 16 for in him were all things created, in the heavens and upon the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and unto him; 17 and he is before all things, and in him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
By virtue of being the Creator, He maintains the rank and privilege of “firstborn”!
Notice also, when the “firstborn” came into the world, the angels were to worship Him
Notice also, when the “firstborn” came into the world, the angels were to worship Him
The quotation in verse 6 is from Deuteronomy 32:43 as found in the Septuagint version
The angels of God were to worship Him
Note well: No created being is or was ever worthy of worship!
The angels themselves refused to be worshipped
8 And I John am he that heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel that showed me these things. 9 And he saith unto me, See thou do it not: I am a fellow-servant with thee and with thy brethren the prophets, and with them that keep the words of this book: worship God.
The apostle Peter refused to accept worship
25 And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
Yet Jesus received worship!
From the wise men - Mt 2:11
From the leper - Mt 8:2
From the ruler - Mt 9:18
From His disciples in the boat - Mt 14:33
From the Canaanite woman - Mt 15:25
From the man born blind - Jn 9:38
From the women and other disciples following His resurrection - Mt 28:9,17
From the disciples following His ascension - Lk 24:52
That Jesus is worthy of worship, especially now, becomes more evident as we consider how...
That Jesus is worthy of worship, especially now, becomes more evident as we consider how...
JESUS IS “GOD” ENTHRONED AND ANOINTED
JESUS IS “GOD” ENTHRONED AND ANOINTED
7 And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels winds, And his ministers a flame of fire: 8 but of the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; And the sceptre of uprightness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Angels are created simply for the service of God
Angels are created simply for the service of God
They are created spirits to serve God (called “ministering spirits” in Heb 1:14)
Their service can be as powerful yet transient as “wind” or “flames of fire”, if need be
But the “Son” is God Himself - Enthroned and Anointed!
But the “Son” is God Himself - Enthroned and Anointed!
The author is quoting from another Messianic psalm
6 Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: A sceptre of equity is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 7 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated wickedness: Therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee With the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Notice that the Son is called “God” (Heb 1:8)
The Hebrew writer clearly proclaims the deity of Jesus! (cf. Heb 1:3a)
Yet in the next verse we read where it says “God, thy God hath...”
Here we find a distinction of personalities within the Godhead
Which we learn through later revelation involves the Father and Son (and Holy Spirit)
The Son, Who is God, has been enthroned, and reigns over an everlasting kingdom with righteousness
The Son, Who is God, has been enthroned, and reigns over an everlasting kingdom with righteousness
A kingdom of which Daniel said “shall never be destroyed” - Dan 2:44
A kingdom of which Gabriel (an angel) told Mary: “there will be no end” - Lk 1:33
Both Paul and John wrote of this kingdom
13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;
9 I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patience which are in Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
This Son, Who is God and King, has been “anointed” (Heb 1:9)
This Son, Who is God and King, has been “anointed” (Heb 1:9)
Of course, the word “Messiah” means “anointed one”
In this passage, the emphasis is on how Jesus has been anointed with gladness “above thy fellows”
Who are these “fellows” or companions?
In view of Hebrews 2:11; 3:1, it is likely the followers of Jesus, His brethren!
As God, King, and Messiah, Jesus is certainly greater than angels! But there is even more...
As God, King, and Messiah, Jesus is certainly greater than angels! But there is even more...
JESUS IS THE “LORD” WHO IS THE ETERNAL CREATOR
JESUS IS THE “LORD” WHO IS THE ETERNAL CREATOR
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning didst lay the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the works of thy hands: 11 They shall perish; but thou continuest: And they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 12 And as a mantle shalt thou roll them up, As a garment, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall not fail.
Jesus is Jehovah
Jesus is Jehovah
Now the Hebrew writer is quoting from
25 “Of old You founded the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26 “Even they will perish, but You endure; And all of them will wear out like a garment; Like clothing You will change them and they will be changed. 27 “But You are the same, And Your years will not come to an end.
A psalm which addresses God using His covenant name Yahweh (or Jehovah)
This is the name that God used to identify Himself to Moses -
13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? What shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
But the Hebrew writer by inspiration knew this psalm equally applied to Jesus!
Such would be blasphemy, unless Jesus is truly Deity!
So while the Son is distinct from the Father (cf. He 1:9), He and the Father are also the same!
In this chapter, then, we find evidence relating to the nature of the Godhead...
a. There is one God, but three distinct personalities within the Godhead (Father, Son, Holy Spirit)
b. As Jehovah, Jesus is not “a god”, or any sort of created being (contra JWs, Mormons)
c. As the Son who is distinct from the Father, the Son is not the same in personality as the Father (contra
Oneness Pentecostals)
Though not a biblical term, the word “trinity” does help to convey the Biblical evidence
as to the nature of the Godhead!
Jesus is the eternal Creator
Jesus is the eternal Creator
In the beginning it was He who created the earth and the heavens - He 1:10
As the author had already stated in He 1:2c
As both John and Paul professed - Jn 1:3; Co 1:16-17
He is also eternal, therefore unchangeable - He 1:11-12
a. The heavens and earth “will perish”, “grow old” and “be changed” - cf. 2 Pe 3: 10-12 Sermons From Hebrews 12
b. But Jesus will “remain”, be the “same”, and “not fail” - cf. He 13:8
The superiority of Jesus over angels is illustrated with one last comparison in this chapter...
The superiority of Jesus over angels is illustrated with one last comparison in this chapter...
JESUS IS THE “SOVEREIGN”
JESUS IS THE “SOVEREIGN”
13 But of which of the angels hath he said at any time, Sit thou on my right hand, Till I make thine enemies the footstool of thy feet? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to do service for the sake of them that shall inherit salvation?
A. NOANGELHASBEENINVITEDTOSITATGOD’SRIGHTHAND...
The psalm quoted now is Ps 110:1
This psalm is quoted or alluded to more than any other psalm in the NT
It refers to the Messianic reign of Christ that began when Jesus sat down at the right
hand of God - cf. He 1:3; Ac 2:34-36; 1 Pe 3:22
That no angel has been asked to sit at God’s right hand...
Once again proves that Jesus was not an angel (contra JWs)
Only Jesus, as the Son of God, has been so invited, and is truly the Sovereign!
B. ANGELSAREBUTMINISTERINGSPIRITS...
While Jesus sits enthroned in heaven, angels are “sent forth to minister (serve)”
They minister for those “who will inherit salvation”
They have certainly ministered in the past - cf. Lk 1:11-38
They will certainly minister at the time of Christ’s return - cf. Mt 13:36-43
But to what extent they minister in the present, the Scriptures reveal little (cf. Mt 18:
10), and we should be careful to refrain from vain speculation
CONCLUSION
In a very forceful manner, the writer to the Hebrews has shown Jesus’ superiority to angels: a. Jesus is the Son (angels are not)
b. Jesus is the Firstborn who receives worship (angels are not and do not)
c. Jesus is God enthroned and anointed (such is not the case with angels!)
d. Jesus is the LORD (Yahweh) who is the eternal creator (angels are created beings) e. Jesus is the Sovereign, reigning at God’s right hand (angels are but ministering spirits)
While angels certainly have a special place in God’s plan for redeeming man...
They are not to become the object of worship or adoration - cf. Co 2:18-19
Only Jesus is worthy of such worship and adoration!
As innumerable angels proclaimed with a loud voice:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (cf. Re 5:11-12)
Let Jesus, and not angels, be the focus of your interest and adoration!