Hebrews 1 opens the book with a beautiful portrait of Jesus Christ; the eternal Son of God, Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. The writer contrasts the partial revelations of the Old Testament with the full and final revelation found in Christ. Through vivid language and Old Testament quotations, he declares Jesus’ superiority over prophets and angels, showing that He alone is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His being. This chapter sets the foundation for the entire book: Christ is supreme; in word, in power, and in position.
The letter begins with a sweeping declaration: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.”
In the past, God revealed Himself through many messengers and methods; dreams, visions, laws, and prophets. But now, in Jesus, God has spoken once and for all. Christ is not merely the messenger; He is the Message. Every promise, prophecy, and command finds its fulfillment in Him.
Matthew Henry puts it like this; the Old Testament was God’s speaking by prophets; the New is His speaking by His Son, the clearest, fullest, and last discovery of His mind and will In other words, the story is complete. Jesus is the final Word of divine revelation; full of grace and truth (John 1:14–18).
So, we must receive the words of Christ as final, not as one of many voices, but the voice of God Himself. God’s last word to humanity was not a command but a Person; love revealed in His Son.
The Son is described as “Heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.”
This means everything that exists; time, matter, and purpose, finds its origin and destiny in Him. Jesus is the radiant brilliance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of His nature. To know Jesus is to know the Father.
Matthew Henry compares this to the sun and its rays: “As the light of the sun is of the same nature with the sun itself, so the Son is the brightness of the Father’s glory.”
Christ not only created all things but sustains them; “upholding all things by the word of His power.” Every breath and heartbeat is held together by Him.
Then, after purging our sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Father. His redemptive work complete, His authority unchallenged. The One who holds galaxies together is the same One who cleansed your sins.
Having declared Christ’s divine nature, the author now shows His superiority over angels. “He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.”
The Father calls Him “Son”, a title no angel shares: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” Angels are servants; Christ is Sovereign. They worship Him, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” Christ’s superiority to angels lies not in office only but in nature; they are servants, He is the Son.
He is eternal, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever.” He laid the foundation of the earth, and though creation fades, He remains unchanged. Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who inherit salvation, but Christ reigns above them all, seated at the Father’s right hand.
Hebrews 1 lifts our gaze beyond prophets, priests, and angels to the eternal Son; the One who reveals God perfectly and reigns supremely. In a world full of voices, Jesus remains God’s final and complete revelation. He holds the universe by His power, yet stooped to cleanse our sins. His supremacy doesn’t distance us, it secures us. The King who rules the heavens is also the Savior who calls us His own.
💡Key Takeaway:
Christ is God’s final Word; the radiance of divine glory, the sustainer of all creation, and the Redeemer of our souls. All other lights fade before Him.
🙏🏽 Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You are the brightness of the Father’s glory and the Word made flesh. Thank You for revealing the heart of God to us. Forgive me for when I listen to lesser voices or live as though You are not enough. Fix my eyes on You, the eternal Son who created, redeemed, and now reigns forever.
Let Your voice be final in my life, and Your glory the light that guides my path.
Amen.