The Superiority of Jesus Christ – as Son, Prophet, and High Priest
The Letter to the Hebrews – Part 2
Context
As a personal and small service to the many Lenten offerings available, I will provide a four-part overview of the New Testament writing which we know as the Letter to the Hebrews (hereafter ‘Hebrews’). This Christian document is rightly heralded as a masterpiece. No other New Testament book gives us such a glorious, splendid, powerful and compelling witness to Jesus of Nazareth as both the Christ and Lord. The writer, in exquisite language, imagery and symbolism, points us to the One who is superior, more excellent, and the pioneer and embodiment of a better way. As we shall see, the writer claims that in Jesus we have the dawn and reality of a new covenant with God. He is superior as a Son, a prophet, a high priest, and a mediator of this new covenant. So, as we remember and celebrate the Person and Life of Jesus - the Ultimate Revelation of God and of True Humanity - may we be inspired, challenged and encouraged afresh by this important New Testament document of faith and teaching.
Part 1: Witness to the Perfect God-Man, Jesus of Nazareth accessible here:
https://rogerarendse.substack.com/p/witness-to-the-perfect-god-man-jesus
Introduction
Our purpose in Part 2 is to demonstrate further how the writer to the Hebrews in masterful fashion (re)interprets the Old Testament (TaNaKh = Torah, Prophets, Writings) to prove the claims that Jesus Christ is superior as a Son, Prophet, and High Priest.
We have seen in Part 1 how the Hebrew Christians were experiencing a crisis of faith, and were in danger of turning away from their faith in Jesus Christ, and returning to their former Jewish faith.
The writer’s task is, therefore, an urgent and important one. He needs to offer the Hebrew Christians encouragement when so much they were experiencing was discouraging and disconcerting. They also need to be warned of the subtle danger and the inevitable consequences of apostasy (forsaking their faith in Jesus Christ).
The writer could not merely stand behind them and stay, “Keep going.” Neither would it be enough to stand in front of them and say, “Watch out!” As we have noted, in the words of Sir Robert Anderson, far more was required:
Nothing but the revelation of something higher and more glorious could ever wean (the Hebrew Christian) from his/her devotion to the national religion.
Therefore, the writer must show, systematically and scripturally, that although the nation had rejected Jesus and was persisting in unbelief, Jesus is the Superior One! Though He is now rejected, the believers in Jesus can take heart. In view of the greatness of God’s revelation in Jesus, they must “pay greater attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). They must also not abandon confidence, but they must foster endurance and live by faith, for a great reward is promised them both now and to come:
Hebrews 10:35-39
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
35 Do not, therefore, abandon that boldness of yours; it brings a great reward. 36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what was promised. 37 For yet “in a very little while, the one who is coming will come and will not delay, 38 but my righteous one will live by faith. My soul takes no pleasure in anyone who shrinks back.” 39 But we are not among those who shrink back and so are lost but among those who have faith and so preserve our souls.
The Superiority of Jesus Christ
Superior as the Son
From the outset, the writer immediately establishes the authenticity, uniqueness, finality, and superiority of the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. He recognises the diversity of ways in which God has spoken to His people in the past. He gives complete credibility to the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) and emphasises that the eternal and exalted Son of God is now the decisive and perfect revelation of God Himself. Here is no mere man, or just an exceptional charismatic teacher and leader. He is the very Son of God.
One the superiority of the Son over the prophets is established by the writer (Heb. 1:1-4), he now describes, in ever magnificent refrains grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures, that the Son surpasses, not only mortal humanity, but also the angels.
Hebrews 1:5-14
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
The Son Is Superior to Angels
5 For to which of the angels did God[a] ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have begotten you”?Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”
7 Of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels winds
and his servants flames of fire.”8 But of the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, is[b] forever and ever,
and the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of your[c] kingdom.
9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness;[d]
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”10 And,
“In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
11 they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
12 like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing[e] they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end.”13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,
“Sit at my right hand
until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?14 Are not all angels[f] spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
The cited passage in Hebrews 1:5-14 contains a chain of Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) citations. If we read the passage carefully, we see that it is comprised of seven Hebrew Bible citations which the writer of Hebrews links together in a chain to emphasise and powerfully communicate the one overarching message: ‘Jesus Christ, the Son of God is superior to the angels!’ Jesus stands far above the angels in every conceivable and imaginable sense.
Angels had an important and high standing in Judaism. One estimate is that Bible mentions angels at least 273 times in 34 books. The Jews believed that angels are powerful beings (e.g. Genesis 18:1-15), created by God to praise him together with all creation (Psalm 148:1-5). There are vast numbers of them, more numerous than the stars of heaven (cf. Hebrews 12:22). They were present and rejoiced at the creation of the world (Job 38:4-7). Angels are even described as “sons of God” in some renditions of the Hebrew text (Job 2:1; 38:7; Psalm 89:6). Some angels were believed to have names, such as Michael, the archangel (Daniel 10:13), and Gabriel (Daniel 8:16), each with differing responsibilities. Angels served God in a variety of ways – as messengers (e.g. to Abraham in Genesis 18:1-15, and Sarah in 16:7-12), destroyers (e.g. of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and during Passover in Exodus 12), worshippers (constantly praising God in Psalm 103:20-21), and guardians/protectors (of God’s people as in Daniel 12:1). Angels were also believed to constitute an advisory group to God, like a Council or Assembly (e.g. Psalm 82:1).
Now One far superior to the angels has come!
Hebrews 2:5-9
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Exaltation through Abasement
5 Now God[a] did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6 But someone has testified somewhere,
“What are humans that you are mindful of them[b]
or mortals that you care for them?[c]
7 You have made them for a little while lower[d] than the angels;
you have crowned them with glory and honor,[e]
8 subjecting all things under their feet.”Now in subjecting all things to them, God[f] left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9 but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower[g] than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God[h] he might taste death for everyone.
The Jews would have accepted the superiority of the Messiah over prophets and angels. This is what the writer establishes as true of Jesus Christ. Although Jesus Christ the Son of God was made (willingly) a little lower than the angels (or God as some translations state it, cf. Psalm 8:4-6) in his incarnation, he still holds and has always held His supremacy as Son of God. To him alone as the perfect God-Man (Part 1) is committed the rule of God’s kingdom.
Superior to Moses, the Prophet
The writer to the Hebrews aptly focuses on Moses whom the Jewish nation considered probably without exception to be the greatest prophet of Judaism. In Moses was seen the rare combination of Apostle and High Priest (the latter role fulfilled in this sense that Moses rather than Aaron was Israel’s chief advocate with God during the entire wilderness experience). The appropriate ‘epitaph’ at Moses’ death attests to the exceptional nature of his office and function among the Israelites:
Deuteronomy 34:10-12
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
10 Never since has there arisen a prophet in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face. 11 He was unequaled for all the signs and wonders that the Lord sent him to perform in the land of Egypt, against Pharaoh and all his servants and his entire land, 12 and for all the mighty deeds and all the terrifying displays of power that Moses performed in the sight of all Israel.
God Himself bore testimony to Moses’ faithfulness which the writer to the Hebrews draws on:
Numbers 12:5-8
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
5 Then the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words:
When there are prophets among you,
I the Lord make myself known to them in visions;
I speak to them in dreams.
7 Not so with my servant Moses;
he is faithful in all my house.
8 With him I speak face to face—clearly, not in riddles,
and he beholds the form of the Lord.
The Jews were well aware of a greater prophet who was to emerge from within Judaism, declared through Moses himself:
Deuteronomy 18:17-19
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
17 Then the Lord replied to me, ‘They are right in what they have said. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet,[a] who shall speak to them everything that I command. 19 Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet[b] shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable.
However, until that prophet arose, the Israelites recognised the greatness of Moses. Yet, they also knew already, and are reminded of this fact by the writer to the Hebrews, that Moses remained a ‘servant in God’s house’ (the people of Israel). Moses had no authority or prestige of his own. He was called by God to fulfil a special ministry (Exodus 3:1-6). As such, he was God’s chosen servant in Israel; God still remained ruler and supreme authority over Israel.
Then the writer declares, unequivocally, that Jesus Christ is the Prophet of whom the Hebrew Scriptures speak. Jesus is also the Son of God and over God’s house (all believers in Him).
The Son’s authority is greater than the servant’s: Moses was not the author of the old economy as Christ is the author of the new. (Bruce 1964:58)
Therefore, the supremacy of Jesus Christ is fully attested to – above that of Moses and the Mosaic covenant. (We will return to the theme of the new covenant in Part 4).
Hebrews 3:3
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
3 Yet Jesus[a] is worthy of more glory than Moses, just as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
Superior to Aaron, the High Priest
The writer returns now (see Hebrews 1:3) to expand on and explain the superiority of the high priesthood of Jesus Christ to that of the Aaronic (Levitical) priesthood which characterized Judaism throughout the Hebrew Scriptures and even at the precise moment when this letter was being received by the Hebrew Christians.
The major portion of the argument centers on Jesus as high priest (Hebrews 4:14 – 10:39), a startling idea. No other New Testament document calls Jesus a high priest, though certain priestly themes are associated with him (such as atoning for sins). In fact, the widespread tradition that Jesus is a descendant of David would seem to preclude any priestly service, since priests were from the tribe of Levi, not Judah. (Barr 1987: 307).
We have referenced a few times already that the Hebrew Christians were experiencing a crisis of faith. Not only had the Jewish nation rejected Christ, but also the priestly rituals and daily sacrifices were still in operation at the Temple (see Part 1). The writer now focuses on the high priestly office and ministry of Jesus Christ, comparing it with the high priestly office and ministry which these Hebrew Christians were still witnessing.
We will refer only to the first of the ways that the writer to the Hebrews describes Jesus’ high priestly office and function in Part 2. He declares Jesus Christ’s similarity with the high priestly Aaronic line. Jesus too was selected from among men. However, though genuinely a man, He is in a greater sense the Son of God (Hebrews 2:5-6). His priesthood derives itself from the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:4; Heb. 5:6,10). This connection between the high priestly work of Jesus and the order of Melchizedek is highly significant and inspired genius, and its effect would have been profound on the Hebrew Christians. Psalm 110 had been accepted widely as the earliest Messianic Psalm, and it presents a rare, yet authentic testimony to the priestly work of the Messiah.
We will return to and expand on Jesus Christ as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek in Part 3.
Conclusion
In Part 1 we have described how the writer to the Hebrews addresses himself to the challenging situation in which the Hebrew Christians find themselves. They are experiencing a crisis of faith where both encouragement and warning are needed. And the superiority of Jesus Christ as God’s final Revelation of God is strongly presented.
In Part 2, the writer has expanded on the important and central themes of Jesus Christ’s superiority, as the Son, as Prophet, and as High Priest, grounding all his claims and proofs in the Hebrew Scriptures themselves. The writer to the Hebrews has claimed that the Messianic expectation has been fully met and satisfied in Jesus Christ who is God’s Son. He has described the greatness of Christ in relation to the Hebrew Scriptures and their revelation in the prophets. Similarly, he claimed Christ’s supremacy over the angels who had an important and high standing in Judaism. Christ’s supremacy is found in the reality that no mere man, and no angelic being, could bear the title Son (Psalm 2:7; cf. Heb.1:5); Lord (Psalm 102:25-27; cf. Heb.1:10-12), or have an exalted place of honour at God’s right hand (Psalm 110:1; cf. Heb. 1:13) that Jesus Christ enjoyed.
We shall see in Part 3 how, with inspired genius, the writer to the Hebrews further describes Jesus’s high priesthood, drawing on ‘the order of Melchizedek’ which grants to Him a priesthood which is superior, eternal, and permanently effective.
Reflection and Journalling Exercise
Make time to re-read Hebrews, and in particular reflect on all the passages cited in Part 2.
Review and write down the main arguments (evidence) which the writer uses to describe the Superiority of Jesus Christ (as a Son, a Prophet, and High Priest).
Refer to the Table below which lays out the structure of teaching and application in Hebrews. Then, make time to read all the passages which are cited to appreciate the writer’s unique approach - where he first teaches about the greatness of Jesus as a person, and then (before continuing his teaching), he applies what he has taught - through cycles of heartening encouragement and solemn warning.
How do you feel that these passages of teaching, encouragement and warning would have impacted the Hebrew Christians within their situation of crisis?
How do these passages impact your life right now, amidst the crises you/we may be experiencing?
References (Part 2)
The Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version (choose any preferred version of your own)
Bruce, F.F. 1964. The Epistle to the Hebrews. The New International Commentary on The New Testament. Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B Eerdmans
Barr, D. L. 1987. New Testament Story: An Introduction. Belmont, California: Wadsworth Publishing Co.
I appreciate your making time to join me in these explorations in the New Testament document to the Hebrews.
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Part 3 will be published on Friday,22 March and cover the theme: Jesus Christ: The High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek.
Blessings!
Thank you for reminding me again of God's awesome grace and forgiveness through the power of Jesus Christ's life, death and resurrection! I am continually awed that I do not need to go through different rituals to draw close to God or know God's daily/moment by moment love and presence in my life! ❤