We are not in one of the gospels, and yet here we meet Jesus and learn more about him. When we see Jesus, we see God. “The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.” To know Jesus is to know God.
The author of Hebrews is unknown or unverified, but scholars do agree that the author had a good grasp of the Old Testament and who Jesus was. It is unlikely that the author was one of the original twelve disciples. We may pick up more clues along the way, but there must be a reason his identity is not given. The authority of God and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit are still present in a mighty way.
Once again, let the fact that Jesus died for you and wiped your sins clean wash over you. Once again, this author points to Jesus as the creator of the world as well as the Son of God. Jesus’ actions are hard for us to comprehend. Don’t rush past this truth.
Picture Jesus in this place: “When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” Again, Jesus has joined his Father on the throne of grace, having made a loving gesture that will go unaccepted by many.
There is a lot of talk about angels in this passage. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of angels and look forward to understanding more one day. Do angels exist on earth? What do they look like? Our text would suggest that they do make an appearance. We know from Scripture that angels have brought their messages to many people chosen for a specific purpose.
Why would we think that angels have stopped making visits? An angelic appointment may not make the headlines these days, but I believe we may miss seeing angels because we aren’t watching. Verse 14 clearly says, “Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.” I’m going to start paying attention and asking God to send them.
The author wants us to put our trust in Jesus as God’s sole heir. We shouldn’t be getting caught up in the rhetoric of this world or relying on the wrong sources for our truth. We need to rely on what will last forever, on Jesus. He has taken his place of authority, but only after his sacrifice washed us clean.
The idea that Jesus will live forever will be a recurring theme in the book of Hebrews. Jesus is someone we can trust, and he will never abandon us. How does that make you feel?
We are introduced to Jesus as superior to even the angels. In case there was any misunderstanding on the chain of command or the Father/Son relationship. This author assumes his audience recognizes the existence of God is not in question. It is refreshing to be of like mind.
The last takeaway I have to share is from verse 9. This is God talking about his Son. “You love justice and hate evil.” From what we see of Jesus in the gospels, the examples abound showing Jesus as loving toward all people, even sinners. He wanted them to have justice, but at the same time, he wanted to dispel the evil that seeps its way into all our lives. That same Jesus is fighting for us. Aren’t you glad you met Jesus?
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, you are welcome in my life, and I am so thankful for your beautiful creation. Help me do a better job of caring for it and others whom you love. Your desire for justice and mercy is so refreshing. I stand with you against the evil of this world trying to disguise itself as good. Thank you for your sacrifice and for your vigilance in protecting me from evil. I trust you with my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
