Connecting Point: No Comparison

The Epistle to the Hebrews is one of twenty-seven New Testament writings with no clear author. Students have debated its scholarship for centuries. Many suggest Paul, and whoever the author was, his knowledge of the Old Testament was extensive, especially the first five books of The Law. Fundamentally, Hebrews is recognized as being inspired by God according to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which is a vital benchmark of canonization. Two prominent themes are woven through Hebrews; the superiority of Jesus Christ and perseverance in Christ.

According to this author, Jesus unashamedly is the culmination of all Jewish Law and customs. “In the past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he also made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So, he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs,” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

One comparison is clear; Jesus is the exact representation of God himself but in the flesh. Those religions that downplay the superiority of Christ are missing the high mark that Hebrews establish. No other can be compared to Jesus, he is the heir. Such a title is highly significant, meaning Jesus was, and is, preeminent; through Jesus, the universe was created. In Greek, “universe” is aion, which in English we use as “eons.” David Guzik astutely writes, “It means that Jesus made more than the material world, He also made the very ages — history itself is the creation of the Son of God.” Is there anyone else that can compare to Jesus? None.

Jesus is the revealer. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word,” (vs. 3). While present here on earth Jesus was fully God and fully man, this sets him apart from all others. Jesus is the redeemer. The Old Testament sacrificial system served its purpose for a time whereas Christ’s atonement for all sin, for all time marks the pinnacle of God’s plan to redeem us. The author attributes a special designation to Jesus. “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Culturally, high respect was given when someone sat at the right hand of a throne. This spectacular imagery sets Jesus apart, past, present, and future.

Jesus is superior. People are often fascinated with angels but according to the Bible, they are simple messengers from God. But Jesus is due the greatest honor of all. We know Him to be our Emmanuel; God with us. Hebrews offers ample evidence of Christ’s superiority over all creation. “With whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?” (Isaiah 46:5). Hebrews states that some 700 years before Christ the Prophet Isaiah foretold of Jesus’s coming.