The Supremacy and Preeminence of Jesus Christ: Lessons from Hebrews 1:1-4

THE SUPREMACY AND PREEMINENCE OF CHRIST: LESSONS FROM HEBREWS 1:1-4

By Ezekiel Kimosop 

Reading through Hebrews 1:1-4 this morning, I was able to learn the following truths concerning Jesus Christ. 

1) The Prophetic office of Jesus Christ (1:1). 

Jesus is revealed as the final prophet of God. He speaks the mind of God to us in these last days through the word of God and by His Spirit (cf. Revelation 2-3). This implies that the office of prophet was sealed by Christ and that no person can purport to exercise the functions of this office in the church age apart from Jesus Christ. Any minister who proclaims the mind of God to a congregation of God's people should be governed by the revelation and authority of Scripture. 

2) The Divine Heritage of Jesus Christ as King (1:2). 

The writer of the Book of Hebrews reveals that God appointed Jesus as heir over all things. He has the ultimate stewardship over all creation, dominions and resources of this world. This reminds us that our stewardship over God's resources is subject to Christ's. Whatever gifts or resources that we have received from God should be applied in a manner that glorifies God. 

3) The Agency of Jesus Christ in Creation (1:2). 

We learn that God created all things through Christ (cf. Genesis 1:1-2; John 1:1-5). This underscores His divinity as God the Son and His role in the creation of the universe. It also attests to His inextricable divine unity and essence with God the Father. Jesus' humanity should be understood within its theological context in the incarnation. His incarnation did not debase or lower His divine essence. 

4) The Glory and Majesty of God in Jesus Christ (1:3-4).

The writer teaches that Jesus upholds all things by the word of His power. This text reveals His divine essence and omnipotence as God the Son who put on human flesh in His incarnation. The writer further proclaims that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (God the Father) and therefore reigns in heaven (cf. Colossians 1:15-18). Elsewhere in Scripture we learn that Jesus will return to the Earth at God's appointed time and reign with the redeemed saints from Jerusalem for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4-6). 

5) The Redemption works of Jesus Christ (1:3). 

Jesus came to purge our sins through His atoning death (cf. Philippians 2:5-11). This atonement is that foundation upon which God's offer of redemption of sinners was anchored. Elsewhere in Scripture, Apostle John proclaims that Jesus is the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). Jesus voluntarily submitted His will to that of the Father in order to accomplish God's divine purposes for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (NKJV). 

6) The Preeminence of Jesus Christ (1:4). 

Jesus is described in in Hebrews 1:4 as better than angels. This is in the context of the heavenly hierarchy. He ranks above all created beings including angels and archangels since He Himself is eternal. This again is an affirmation of His Majesty and divinity as God the Son and His exalted office in heaven. 

Jesus' prophetic and priestly offices; His divine glory and majesty; His eternity and omnipotence as well as His supremacy and preeminence are outlined in this passage. He shares full and equal divinity with God the Father and with God the Holy Spirit.  

Have a Blessed Day

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2023