There are a lot of people who like to think of Jesus as a good man. Others are prepared to accept Him as an inspired teacher. Some even say that Jesus is a prophet – one who speaks on behalf of God. But people are reluctant to acknowledge that Jesus is anything more than a man.
The New Testament has a lot to say about this topic. Perhaps the most systematic discussion of it is in the inspired book in the Bible we call Hebrews. The resemblance between Jesus and God is so close that Hebrews 1:3 says He, “…is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” (NIV)
Jesus also has a superior relationship to God than anyone else. Hebrews, chapter one, verses, 5 through 7 say, “For to which of the angels did he say at any time, “You are my Son. Today have I become your father?” and again, “I will be to him a Father, and he will be to me a Son?” Again, when he brings in the firstborn into the world he says, “Let all the angels of God worship him.” Of the angels he says, “Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.”” (NIV)
Why does Scripture call Jesus, God’s Son? It is an expression of relationship. We already saw in verse 3 that the Son is the “exact representation” of God’s being. Since Jesus is the embodiment of God’s character it is appropriate to call Him, God’s Son.
Scripture also tells us that Jesus was not created, but was with God from all eternity. If so, then why does it say that He is begotten of God? The key to understanding this dilemma is in the word “today.” “…today I have become your Father.” God the Father is outside of nature. He is outside of time. Nature and time are created things. The Son is an expression of deity within the confines of nature and time.
God also calls Jesus the “firstborn.” This is another expression of relationship. In Jewish tradition the son who was born first became the head of the family and inherited twice as much property. God gave the Son a superior name. He has also made the Son “heir of all things.” Since the Son has been put over every one and inherits everything, it is appropriate to call Him the firstborn.
There are two other senses in which Jesus is the firstborn. Colossians 3:10 points out that those who follow Christ are being transformed into the image of God. Jesus is the prototype. He is the firstborn in that He is the first man who is as God intended man to be.
Another sense in which Jesus is the firstborn is in Colossians chapter 1 and verse 18, “…he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead…” (NIV) In the resurrection we will receive new bodies which will no longer be subject to the limitations and frailties of the bodies we now have. Jesus is the first to have received one of those bodies when He rose from the dead, so it is appropriate to call Him the firstborn.
If the angels don’t enjoy the status of Son, then what are they? The text says that they are servants.
There is also another contrast between Jesus and the angels. The text calls angels winds and flames of fire. Wind and fire can be very powerful. But wind and fire are also temporary. In contrast, Jesus’ rule lasts forever. In verses 8 through 14 we read, “But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. As a mantle, you will roll them up, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.” But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?” Aren’t they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”
Verse 8, quoting from Psalm 45, calls the Son, God. The angels do not share in the divine nature. They are created beings while Jesus, the Son, is not.
But there is more. The angels’ power is limited or temporary. The Son rules forever. We saw in a previous program that all authority has been given to Him. Here we see that there is also no limit to its duration.
Why did God appoint Jesus to the throne? Because of Jesus’ character. He loved righteousness. This means that His actions and judgments are never arbitrary but always just.
In addition, He hated wickedness. This is something we need to remember. We cannot claim to follow Christ while we hold on to the things He hates.
Verse 9 says that God anointed Jesus with the oil of gladness. Some religions promise release from the meaninglessness and drudgery of life. Some promise pleasure. But in Christ we have joy.
The writer continues to make the contrast between Jesus and the angels by quoting from Psalm 102. According to that Psalm, Jesus is Lord of the universe. He created it – some day He will destroy it. Though the universe is finite and will perish, Jesus is eternal. He is not only eternal, He remains the same forever. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (NIV) This should give us hope and confidence. The Jesus who loves righteousness, and rules righteously, is not going to change. We can depend on Him.
Verse 13 quotes from Psalm 110 to point out another difference between Jesus and the angels. God has given Jesus a place of honor – He is seated at God’s right hand. As powerful and holy as the angels may be, they haven’t been given that honor. It is their job to serve.