An Introduction to Jesus

Hebrews 1:1-4

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,

2 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.

3 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,

4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Listening Guide:

The 4 contrasting ideas from last week are:

1. Long ago vs. now (in these last days) (the context of revelation
2. In many ways vs. one way (the means of revelation)
3. In many times vs. one time (the time of revelation)
4. To our fathers vs. to us (the recipients of revelation)

The Holy Spirit reveals seven ways Jesus is supreme here:

1. Appointed the heir of all things
• “The writer of Hebrews is using traditional categories of Hellenistic Judaism his audience would have understood. To be an heir was to be invested with everything. The son is given full authority. To do business with the son means to do business with the father. Moreover of you are going to know this father, you can only do so through his son (John 14:6-7).” (Albert Mohler, Christ-Centered Exposition: Hebrews)
2. Through whom he created the world
   • John 1:1-3 - “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
3. He is the radiance of the glory of God
4. He is the exact imprint of His nature
5. He upholds the universe by the word of His power
   1. "I think of that silly little story about the old woman challenging Bertrand Russell’s presentation on the cosmos. This lady stood up after his talk and publicly repudiated the idea that the earth was a sphere revolving around the sun. No, she said, the earth was actually flat and rested on the back of a giant turtle. (Sometimes we have to reinvent reality when it feels so jarring to our own expectations.) Russell apparently quipped, “What is the turtle resting on?” to which the old woman quickly replied, “Young man, it’s turtles all the way down.” Seems legit. (Wilson, Jared C.. The Imperfect Disciple: Grace for People Who Can't Get Their Act Together (p. 198). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.)
   2. Colossians 1:15–23 - [15] He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. [16] For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. [17] And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. [19] For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, [20] and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. [21] And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, [22] he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, [23] if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister. (ESV)
6. He made purification for sins
   1. Hebrews 9:21-22 - “21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.“
   2. Penal substitutionary atonement describes the act of Jesus’ death on the cross atoned for our sins by punishing (penal) Jesus instead of us (substitution)
   3. 1 Peter 3:18 - “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,”
7. He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high

Conclusion and So What?

• The author wants you to persevere in faith and in union with Jesus
• He desires for you to hang in there - to persevere and endure - despite the painful trials you’re going through
• And his method of encouragement is the exaltation of Jesus Christ
• You won’t find another like Him!
• What’s your view of Jesus?
• A good man?
• A prophet?
• A good teacher?
• An example?
• Or the supreme figure in all of the universe that is worthy of your affection and your life and your obedience and willingness to follow and serve Him?