|
"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, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs."
(Hebrews 1:3-4)
This week, we are exploring the ways that Jesus is greater and better than all else, as discussed in the book of Hebrews. Yesterday we saw how Jesus is greater than the prophets. Today, we will continue with the next few verses in Hebrews 1 where it is written how Jesus is greater than the angels.
Evidently, the people that the author of Hebrews is writing to had become far too fixated on angels and perhaps were giving them a place beyond what was intended. We know from church history that some Jews had begun to think of angels, particularly the archangel Michael, as on par with or even holding more authority than the Messiah Himself. Clearly, this needs to be corrected, hence this passage.
Whenever I read this passage, however, my first thought is, "Well, duh! Of course Jesus is greater than the angels!" So before we just think, "Yeah, I know that," and move on, let's consider what this truth that Jesus is greater than the angels has to teach us about Jesus. In order to do this, we have to first consider the function that angels hold. Here are a few:
Angels are messengers. Sometimes, angels are sent to deliver special messages, such as in Luke 1 when the angel Gabriel appears to Mary. In fact, the word "angel" literally means "messenger".
Angels are worshipers. Throughout Scripture, we see that angels worship God. We read in Revelation 5 that angels surround the throne of God and sing praise to Him.
Angels are helpers. This same passage in Hebrews tells us that angels are "ministering spirits sent out to serve" Christians (Hebrew 1:14). In Acts 12, an angel came to help Peter when he was in prison, and in Acts 27, an angel appears to Paul and comforts him.
What can we learn from this?
First, it is vital that we too do not fall into this heresy of worshiping angels. They are not greater than Christ. Angels are part of creation, just like we are. They are heavenly beings created with a purpose. We ought not pray to angels or place our hope in them. Furthermore, when we remember that Christ is better than the angels, we know that Jesus fulfills many of the functions of angels in an even greater way. If angels serve to minister to and help Christians, how much more will Jesus Christ help us by pleading our case before the Father? How much more does Jesus serve us by laying down His life for us? Also, remember that it is God who sends the angels to help us. What a beautiful evidence of God's care for us that He would send His heavenly angels to help us while we live in this world as ambassadors for Christ.
|
Apple
Spotify
Stitcher
YouTube
