Greater: Greater Than Prophets & Angels
Hebrews 1:1-14
Jay Haugh
Part of Sunday Notes
August 25, 2024

Greater Than Prophets and Angels
Hebrews 1:1-14
August 25, 2024
Jay Haugh

The Why, Who and When.

I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. —Hebrews 13:22 ESV

This writer is going to show us that Jesus is greater in His person and His work.

These warnings illustrate the importance of perseverance.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. —2 Timothy 4:7 ESV

We hold fast because Jesus is superior.

There are warnings because these believers aren’t maturing. They aren’t growing.

Jesus is greater than prophets.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. —Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV

All the preceding servants disappear in the presence of the Son.

but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. —Hebrews 1:2 ESV

The Son (Jesus) is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end.

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. —Hebrews 1:3 ESV

Jesus purged sin finally and fully by being our sacrifice.

Jesus is greater than angels.

having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? —Hebrews 1:4-5 ESV

Angels are created but not begotten.

Begotten is not talking about chronology.

(1) Jesus (the Son) is of the same “stuff” or essence as the Father.

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” —Hebrews 1:6 ESV

(2) Jesus isn’t a created being because He receives worship.

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” —Hebrews 1:7 ESV

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” —Hebrews 1:8 ESV

And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” —Hebrews 1:10 ESV

(3) Jesus is immutable and eternal.

they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 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.” —Hebrews 1:11-12 ESV

(4) Jesus is the Son of God and angels are servants of God.

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? —Hebrews 1:14 ESV

Angels protect us physically, but only the Son can save us spiritually!

Jesus is greater than the angels as a son is greater than a servant.

Big Idea:

The Son is greater than all servants because He is the final word of God and fully divine.


SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV
Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But not at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.


The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.


Read Hebrews 1.
In what ways do you see Jesus as a superior revelation compared to the prophets of the Old Testament? How does knowing that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God affect your view of Scripture and your approach to reading the Bible? How do you personally hear and recognize His voice in your daily life?

Sitting on the right hand is a symbol of power and authority. How often do you share with others about the one who makes purification of sins and holds all things together with His power? How can you share the truths about Jesus’ superiority with others who doubt His authority?

How does the Son’s nature reveal the Father to you? What do we know about the Father through the Son? What has the Father revealed to us about the Son?

Jesus’ name is superior to the angels. How do you honor and revere His name? Do you ever struggle with using His name in vain? How does it make you feel when you hear others use His name in vain?

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature. As Christians, we are called to develop our character to be more like Christ. How can you reflect God’s glory to the world this week?

Quoting Psalm 45, Jesus is said to love righteousness and hate lawlessness. When you think about the things you love or are passionate about, where does righteousness land? How can we create fertile soil to help one another grow in righteousness? How do you stand against lawlessness?

Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation.” Do you see any ways God might be using angels in your life? If so, how?

This chapter establishes the supremacy of Christ as the Son of God. Why do you think some people deny His divine nature? Why is it important to understand the nature of Jesus Christ and that He is God in human flesh? In what area of your life do you struggle to make Him supreme? How can you submit to His supremacy and lordship?