Hebrews remains a significant book of the Bible. Given the title, it is addressed to Hebrews, or Jews, who struggle with the tension between Jewish tradition and faith in Christ. But Hebrews is relevant to all because it points out that the “old way” of doing things is never enough. Not the “old law.” Not “old good deeds.” Not “old knowledge.” Not “old religion.” We can never do… be…  think… or learn… enough in order to be saved by God. There must be some kind of transaction to take place to atone for sin. And we all have sin. Hebrews makes a declaration based upon what Jesus has accomplished through His death and resurrection. That Jesus is enough. He is the transaction. Simple as that. There is no longer any need to measure up to the former law of Moses, since the whole point of the law was to make atonement for sins and bridge the gap between humans and God. Now that Jesus has already done that by dying for our sins, there is permanent, eternal salvation for all who profess His name. He is the law fulfilled. He is the everlasting covenant.  And as we get to know Jesus by reading in Hebrews opening chapter, we understand just who Jesus is as God almighty. The beginning. The Author. The Sustainer.

Summary: Hebrews 1

The author introduces Jesus as being the spokesman of God in the present time, and that in the former times God spoke through prophets; the author continues to elaborate regarding Jesus’ nature and role as the Son of God; and then the author quotes scriptures and talks about how God the Father speaks about Jesus.

You can also read Hebrews 1 here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews+1&version=ESV

Jesus in Hebrews 1:1-14

• Jesus is God speaking to us (verse 2)
• Jesus is heir to all things (v. 2)
• Jesus made the universe (v. 2)
• Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory (v. 3)
• Jesus is the exact expression of God’s nature (v. 3)
• Jesus sustains all things by His powerful word (v. 3)
• Jesus purified our sins (v. 3)
• Jesus is at the right hand of God (v. 3)
• Jesus is higher than the angels (v. 4)
• Jesus’ name is superior (v. 4)
• Jesus is God’s Son (v. 5-6)
• Jesus will be worshiped by the angels (v. 6)
• Jesus has authority over everything, including the angels (v. 7)
• Jesus is declared God by God the Father (v. 8)
• Jesus’ throne reigns forever (v. 8)
• Jesus kingdom rules by the scepter of justice (v. 8)
• Jesus loves righteousness (v. 9)
• Jesus hates unrighteousness (v. 9)
• Jesus is anointed as God by God the Father (v. 9)
• Jesus is anointed with the oil of joy (v. 9)
• Jesus established the earth (v. 10)
• Jesus created the heavens by the work of His hands (v. 10)
• Jesus remains forever (v. 11)
• Jesus will roll up the heavens and the earth (v. 12)
• Jesus always stays the same (v. 12)
• Jesus’ years will never end (v. 12)
• Jesus is sovereign over all (v. 13)

“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.” -Hebrews 1:3-

Questions for Today:

• How does God speaking about Jesus as God emphasize the trinity?
• How does this shape the way I view God?
• What aspect of Jesus stood out to me?
• What can I do to be more like Jesus?
• How can I talk about Him with others?
• What next step is Jesus asking me to take in my relationship with Him?