Freedom from Shaming

One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Hebrews 1. The words have been taught before, in earlier books, but in Hebrews they are drawn together in order to form a clear picture of Jesus: He is the exact representation of God, He
makes a way for us as sinners to have a relationship with God, and He is both human and divine.

This passage makes a point of explaining how Jesus is superior to angels, drawing together proofs from God’s spoken word in earlier times. This would have been especially helpful to the original audience, who were Jewish and going through terrible trials in Rome because of their faith. The book of Hebrews tells them, in no uncertain terms, that Jesus is superior to everything—there is nothing better or more powerful than Him. For these Jewish Christians—who were facing persecution, suffering, and even death—abandoning the gospel and returning to their old faith was a very tempting option. Hearing that Jesus was the final Word who fulfills and completes the Old Testament (in ways angels never could) would have been crucial for these Jewish Christians—and it’s important for us today as well.

Thanks to this passage, we can be reminded that Jesus is greater than anyone or anything. He also cares deeply about our hurts, no matter how small. Someone so powerful and so loving can carry us through whatever we’re facing, whether it’s painful persecution like the original audience of this passage or simply a stressful day. Whatever trials you’re facing, take heart and know Jesus is greater than all of them. He came to live among us, to show us the Father, to die the death we deserved, and to resurrect from the dead…so now He offers us eternal life, forgiveness, grace, rest, and peace. If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, He is always with you through His Holy Spirit and His Word. And because Jesus is greater than anything, one day He will return to defeat all suffering, sin, and death permanently, and we can live forever with Him, the greatest King of all. • Sapphyre Smith

• Why is Jesus superior to angels?

• What trials are you facing today? How might the gospel bring hope in these situations?

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Romans 10:1-13; Galatians 3:26-29; Hebrews 12:1-3