Christ the Better Messenger
The Message Came
Hebrews 1:1-2 - “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke (Laleo- la lay o - to use words in order to declare one’s mind and disclose one’s thoughts) to our fathers by the prophets, (Prophetes - pro fay tace - a man filled by the spirit who pleads the cause of God, spokesman, messenger) 2 but in these last days he has spoken (Laleo) to us by his Son, whom he appointed (to set, fix, establish) the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”
God is the Messenger
Hebrews 1:3-4 - “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become (Ginomai - ghin o my - to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage) as much (greatest, longest, unmeasurable) superior (Kreitton - krite tohn - more useful, serviceable, advantageous, excellent) to angels (angelos - messenger) as the name he has inherited (obtain by right - Philippians 2:9 “...bestowed on him the name that is above every name,”) is more excellent than theirs.”
Comparison of the Messengers
- Of Position
- Of Christ.
Hebrews 1:5-6 - For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten (Gennao - ghen nah o - cause to arise) you”? - (Psalm 2:7) Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? - (2 Samuel 7:14) 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn (Prototokos - root = Protos - first in time or space, first in rank) into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship him.” - (Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 97:7)
- Of Angels
Hebrews 1:7 - Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” - (Psalm 104:4)
Comparison of the Messengers
- Of Authority
- Of Christ
Hebrews 1:8-12 - “But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” - (Psalm 45:6-7) 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” - (Psalm 102:25-27)
- Of Angels
Hebrews 1:13-14 - “And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? - (Psalm 110:1) 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
