But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man .For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. Hebrews 2:9-12
Very meticulously the writer of Hebrews laid out the case using old testament scripture that Jesus was superior to the Angels. Although the angels had been God messengers throughout the Old Testament Scripture both in reigning forth judgment, in speaking to the prophets, in presenting themselves to God’s people as guides along the way; yet, they were always subject to Jesus rule. The angels are ascribed as having great strength and wisdom. Still, they are servants of Christ who are sent forth as “ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Hebrews 1: 14).
It is such a comforting thought that Jesus has sent forth angels to comfort and to protect me. Still, I must not lose sight of the truth. Angels are not beings that I should worship. Only God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is worthy of all my praise. Jesus humbled Himself to come to earth and for a time to be placed in a position below the angels, so that He might suffer as a man and to purchase my salvation through His death on a cruel cross. He, by such, has won the victory for me to one day be with Him and reign with Him in Glory.
Let us for a moment, go step by step through the arguments as to why Jesus is Superior to the angels so that we might understand the depth of humility it took for Jesus Christ to take on human flesh.
In Hebrews 1:5-14, the writer meticulously outlines the details of this argument for us.
1. “For unto which of the angels said (God) at any time, “Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee?” (verse 5) Jesus Christ was born of a virgin. Although Jesus was eternally present, created the world; he became “begotten” of the Father when He came to earth as a man.
2. “And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.” (Verse 6)
3. “unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom” (Verse 8). Once more declaring the truth that the Jesus is the perfect image of God, the radiance of God’s Glory; while at the same time the Son of God.
4. God spoke to the son, “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore, God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows” (Verse 9). Although equal with God the Father, Jesus—as the son bowed in obedience to the Father’s will in all that He did. On earth, when he took on humanity He loved righteousness and withstood all the temptations without sinning. He was tempted as we are; only, He did not sin. This verse combined with verse 8 displays the distinctness and the unity of God the Father and God the Son.
5. Also God spoke to the Son, “Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Verses 10-12). Through Jesus the heavens and earth were created. (This foundational argument was presented in verse 1 and again here, just as it was in John chapter 1). Not only, were the heavens and earth made through Jesus; so will the final judgement be rendered through Him. He will one day destroy this heaven and earth to create a new heaven and earth.
6. “but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” From eternity past to eternity future, Jesus Christ will remain the same.
7. “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (verse 13)
After having presented the case, then came the warning, “Don’t get this wrong!! Don’t neglect the message of the gospel presented to you by Jesus. His word is greater than the prophets and greater than the angels. He is the one we must listen to, take heed to, and follow. We must not allow false doctrine to drift into our thinking or our teaching!
Why is this so important?
Let me try to pull this back together, full circle. Hebrews 2: 6-8 continues with a quote from David
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.”
At the time of creation, before the fall; man was placed as “overseer” of the earth. Yet, because of the fall; sin entered and mankind has become very poor caretaker of the earth. Look around and you can see that.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, for a season came to this earth being in form “a little lower than the angels.” He became as we are so that He might suffer temptation as we do (although, He would not succumb to it despite for Him the temptation was even more intense). He then died to bear the penalty of my sins, my rebellions, my selfish heart; so, that I might become sanctified through Him. [tweetthis]Because of Grace, one day I will reign in Glory with Jesus.[/tweetthis]
All of which I did not deserve. I do not deserve the justification He purchased. I do not deserve to be called a child of God. Yet [bctt tweet=”IN CHRIST; I am God’s Chosen, redeemed, Beloved Child; heir of the Kingdom. What Amazing Grace!! ” username=”effiedarlene”]
The Song I chose for you today At Your Name
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.