Christ as God's Son Heb 1:1-12 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

Transcription

1 Christ as God's Son Heb 1:1-12 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008 Devotional Scripture: Phil 2:5-11 OUTLINE INTRODUCTION OVERVIEW AND APPROACH TO LESSON LESSON INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator MAJOR THEME ANALYSIS JESUS IS GOD'S SELF-EXPRESSION (HEB 1:1-3) Revelation spoken before Jesus (1) Revelation starting with Moses (Luke 24:25-27) Revelation written in the Law (John 1:45) Revelation through the prophets who testified about Jesus and His power (Acts 10:43) Revelation through the promise made to David (Rom 1:1-4) Revelation in Jesus (2) In Jesus because Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10) In Jesus through the gospel in the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4) In Jesus because Jesus and God are One (John 14:9-11) In Jesus because Jesus is God in bodily form (Col 2:9) In Jesus because Jesus is with and is God (John 1:1) Revelation through Jesus (3) Revelation through Jesus because He came from Heaven (John 3:31) Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the glory of God (John 1:14) Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the light of the gospel (2 Cor 4:4) Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the image of God (Col 1:15) On the Right Hand (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) SUPREMACY OF JESUS (HEB 1:4-9) Supremacy above angels (4) Supremacy above angels because Jesus has all authority and dominion (Eph 1:20-23) Supremacy above angels because Jesus has supremacy over everything (Col 1:18) Supremacy above angels because Jesus is the head over every power and authority (Col 2:10) Supremacy above angels because angels are in submission to Jesus (1 Peter 3:22) Supremacy because of being God's Son (5) God's Son because God proclaimed it (Matt 17:5) God's Son because of the miracles Jesus performed (Matt 14:32-33) God's Son because even demons recognized it (Luke 4:41) God's Son because the Holy Spirit confirmed it (John 1:32-34) God's Son because Jesus is the Christ (John 11:25-27) God's Son because the Bible was written to prove it (John 20:31) God's Son because it is the truth (Matt 16:16) Supremacy that deserves worship (6) Deserves worship because Jesus is the King (Matt 2:2) Deserves worship because eventually every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus as Lord (Phil 2:9-11) Deserves worship because Jesus is the slain Lamb worthy of worship (Rev 5:6-9) Deserves worship because Jesus is the firstborn of God and all should worship Him (Heb 1:6) Deserves worship because Jesus is the head of all things (Eph 1:9-10) Commentary on Heb 1:6-9 from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Supremacy that rules God's Kingdom (7-9) Jesus' rule will be one of wisdom and righteousness (Jer 23:5) Christ as God's Son Page 1 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

2 Jesus must rule until God puts all His enemies under His feet (1 Cor 15:22-25) Jesus rules over an eternal kingdom (2 Peter 1:10-11) Jesus is the eternal King (1 Tim 1:17) Jesus will reign for ever and ever (Rev 11:15) Jesus was born to have the government on His shoulders (Isa 9:6) PERMANENCY OF JESUS (HEB 1:10-12) Jesus was in the beginning (10) Jesus was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-4) Jesus called Himself the First (Rev 2:8) Jesus was glorified with God before the world began (John 17:5) Jesus was before all things (Col 1:17) Jesus is eternal and immutable (11-12) Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (Rev 1:8) Jesus is without beginning and end (Heb 7:3) Jesus is the Beginning and the End (Rev 22:13) Jesus is alive for ever and ever (Rev 1:18) Jesus is immutable (Heb 13:8) CONCLUSION AND OTHER THOUGHTS CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE NIV STANDARD LESSON COMMENTARY CONCLUDING THOUGHTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR PRACTICAL POINTS FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR HEART OF THE LESSON FROM THE BIBLE EXPOSITOR AND ILLUMINATOR An exact representation (Heb. 1:1-3) A righteous King (Heb. 1:4, 8-9) An eternal reign (Heb. 1:10-12) Christ as God's Son Page 2 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

3 Introduction Overview and Approach to Lesson The outline of the lesson came from a previous lesson (12/10/06) and the Bible Expositor and Illuminator. It examines the understanding of Jesus as God's Son. The study's aim is to reveal the attributes of the Son of God. The study's application is to know and more fully appreciate the character of God's Son, our Saviour. Lesson Introduction and Background From the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary Everyone needs something to believe in, and most people seem to believe in angels. People of many religious backgrounds engage in discussions about angels. Protestants, Catholics, Jews, proponents of the New Age, Jehovah s Witnesses, Mormons, and Muslims all share a belief in angels. Magazines dedicated exclusively to angels are now in vogue. Books continue to be written on the subject. Angelic figurines adorn countless Christian homes. Think about it: haven t you spoken of a guardian angel at some time in your life? Some of us may be overly interested in angels and angelology to the neglect of Jesus Christ. Though there are many angels, there is only one Holy Son of God. This lesson will draw our attention back to Christ, who is far superior to any angelic being. The lesson will warn us against an undue fascination with angels, thus helping your students avoid idolatry. The problem is that biblical teachings about angels get mixed in with unbiblical ideas. Angel stories are not necessarily bad; angels do exist and do God s bidding. But angels from God never distract from him. We must be careful never to leave the master for the servant. The book of Hebrews is a bit unusual. It ends with greetings like an epistle (Hebrews 13:20 25), yet the beginning is unlike a normal letter (contrast the opening verses of Hebrews with those of Colossians, etc.). Even so, the author refers to this work as a short letter in Hebrews 13:22. Hebrews 1:1 4 is the introduction that contains the starting threads of the key themes of the book. These themes are woven into the fabric of the entire work. Hebrews 1:4, the last verse of this introduction, leads into the author s first point, which actually extends through 2:4. The original readers of the book of Hebrews were Jewish believers who had been undergoing some persecution (Hebrews 10:32 34). They were tempted to give up true Christianity for something false (10:35 39). Jews of the first century had a pervasive fascination with angels. We see evidence of this in some of the nonbiblical writings that come into being between the Old and New Testaments (called the intertestamental writings). We can almost hear the original readers questions that prompt our author to write chapter 1: We know about angels; is Jesus as strong as they? He died; is he powerful enough to save? The author of Hebrews has clear answers. From the Bible Expositor and Illuminator Nowhere does the New Testament tell us what Jesus Christ looked like. Whatever mental images we have of His appearance have come from the varied interpretations of artists over the centuries. Scripture leaves no doubt, however, about Jesus' identity and character. Verbal portraits of Him are scattered throughout. The book of Hebrews contains several important images of Christ. Indeed, He is the focal point of this entire letter. Evidence indicates that its anonymous author was writing to a particular group of Jewish Christians who had reached a crisis point in their faith. They had apparently started well, but growing persecution had tempted them to retreat to the safer and more familiar ground of the Old Testament laws and ceremonial system. This, argued the author, would be disastrous, for these were mere shadows that pointed to a final fulfillment in Christ. Christ is superior to all of them indeed, none of them had meaning apart from Him. He is the eternal Son and final revelation of God. People ignore Him at their eternal peril. Communication has been evolving throughout human history. Gutenberg revolutionized communication with his invention, the movable-type printing press. The discovery of electricity led to the invention of the telegraph, the telephone, the radio, and finally the television. Every new technical breakthrough has opened doors of opportunity. Today, live images can be transmitted from virtually every place on earth via satellite. The Internet makes it possible for us to have instant contact with people Christ as God's Son Page 3 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

4 thousands of miles away. Our ancestors could not begin to comprehend the wonders of communication that are available to us today. In Old Testament times, God revealed Himself through prophets who set forth veiled references to Messiah and future events. In the fullness of time, God sent His Son, who was the ultimate revelation of Himself. Do we fully appreciate how richly God has communicated Himself to us through Christ, His Son? This week's lesson provides powerful insights into the true character of the Son of God. We should come away with a richer, fuller knowledge of and appreciation for God's Son. Major Theme Analysis (Scriptural Text from the New King James Version; cross-references from the NIV) Jesus is God's Self-Expression (Heb 1:1-3) 1 God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; 3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, Revelation spoken before Jesus (1) Revelation starting with Moses (Luke 24:25-27) 26 Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. Revelation written in the Law (John 1:45) 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Revelation through the prophets who testified about Jesus and His power (Acts 10:43) 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Revelation through the promise made to David (Rom 1:1-4) 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. Revelation in Jesus (2) In Jesus because Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev 19:10) 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." In Jesus through the gospel in the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:3-4) 3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures Christ as God's Son Page 4 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

5 In Jesus because Jesus and God are One (John 14:9-11) 9 Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? 10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. 11 Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. In Jesus because Jesus is God in bodily form (Col 2:9) 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, In Jesus because Jesus is with and is God (John 1:1) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Revelation through Jesus (3) Revelation through Jesus because He came from Heaven (John 3:31) 31 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the glory of God (John 1:14) 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the light of the gospel (2 Cor 4:4) 4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. Revelation through Jesus because Jesus is the image of God (Col 1:15) 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. On the Right Hand (from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary) In the English language the phrase right hand is rich in symbolism. It can mean the hand that is normally stronger (than the left). The Oxford English Dictionary cites a source from the year 1000 with this connotation. Another meaning is to symbolize friendship or alliance. This connotation is cited as early as We normally shake hands with the right hand. A third meaning is to indicate a person of usefulness or importance, an indispensable or efficient helper. We use the phrase right-hand man, a usage that goes back to In 1863 General Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson s left arm was amputated after a wound (which eventually proved fatal); to this General Robert E. Lee exclaimed, You have lost your left arm, but I have lost my right! A similar meaning is that the right hand is the position of honor. This is probably the meaning intended in Hebrews 1:3. After he had fulfilled his task on earth, Jesus ascended and was seated at the right hand of the Father. Jesus represents the right hand of God in all ways in strength, in alliance, and in honor. Do we hold Jesus in as much honor as the Father does? Supremacy of Jesus (Heb 1:4-9) 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For to which of the angels did He ever say: "You are My Son, Today I have begotten You"? And again: "I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son"? 6 But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: "Let all the angels of God worship Him." Christ as God's Son Page 5 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

6 7 And of the angels He says: "Who makes His angels spirits And His ministers a flame of fire." 8 But to the Son He says: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions." Supremacy above angels (4) Supremacy above angels because Jesus has all authority and dominion (Eph 1:20-23) 20 which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Supremacy above angels because Jesus has supremacy over everything (Col 1:18) 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. Supremacy above angels because Jesus is the head over every power and authority (Col 2:10) 10 and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority. Supremacy above angels because angels are in submission to Jesus (1 Peter 3:22) 22 who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him. Supremacy because of being God's Son (5) God's Son because God proclaimed it (Matt 17:5) 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" God's Son because of the miracles Jesus performed (Matt 14:32-33) 32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." God's Son because even demons recognized it (Luke 4:41) 41 Moreover, demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew he was the Christ. God's Son because the Holy Spirit confirmed it (John 1:32-34) 32 Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God." God's Son because Jesus is the Christ (John 11:25-27) 25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; 26 and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" 27 "Yes, Lord," she told him, "I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world." Christ as God's Son Page 6 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

7 God's Son because the Bible was written to prove it (John 20:31) 31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. God's Son because it is the truth (Matt 16:16) 16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Supremacy that deserves worship (6) Deserves worship because Jesus is the King (Matt 2:2) 2 and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Deserves worship because eventually every knee will bow and tongue will confess Jesus as Lord (Phil 2:9-11) 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Deserves worship because Jesus is the slain Lamb worthy of worship (Rev 5:6-9) 6 Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing in the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 He came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne. 8 And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. Deserves worship because Jesus is the firstborn of God and all should worship Him (Heb 1:6) 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, "Let all God's angels worship him." Deserves worship because Jesus is the head of all things (Eph 1:9-10) 9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Commentary on Heb 1:6-9 from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary The location of this quotation in Heb 1:6 is the first issue. Some say it comes from the end of Psalm 97:7, which reads, worship him, all you gods (where gods may be used loosely to mean angels). However, the wording is not exactly the same as Hebrews. More likely the author is quoting from Deuteronomy 32:43 in the Septuagint, which is the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament. Most translations of Deuteronomy 32:43 do not contain the phrase and let all the angels of God worship him because the Hebrew text does not have it. Perhaps your Bible has a footnote at Deuteronomy 32:43 and Hebrews 1:6 that explains this. Deuteronomy 32 is a song that Moses recited before the assembly of Israel about the Lord s judgment on the wicked. In the Septuagint, the song includes a call for the heavens to rejoice and for the angels of God to worship him. The author of Hebrews identifies the speaker as the Father and him as the Son, the object of worship. In doing this, our author is also attributing to the Son the great deeds of the Lord mentioned in Deuteronomy 32. In Heb 1:7, the author now quotes Psalm 104:4 to define the glorious function of angels. They are powerful spiritual beings who are servants of God. To Christ as God's Son Page 7 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

8 describe them as flames of fire reminds us of passages such as Genesis 3:24 and Exodus 3:2. Our author s point is simply that the angels are servants. They do not have the authority of the Son. Heb 1:8-9 quote Psalm 45:6, 7. The ancient title to Psalm 45 calls it a wedding song. Though Psalm 45:2 may be addressed to an earthly king (and verses do seem to celebrate the wedding of an earthly king), the author of Hebrews indicates that some verses are addressed to someone else. This someone else is O mighty one (Psalm 45:3), who defeats the king s enemies (Psalm 45:5). Further, Psalm 45:6 addresses this mighty one as God, yet as one who is somehow distinct from God in Psalm 45:7b ( therefore God, your God ). Who else can this divine and mighty king be but the Son of God? Supremacy that rules God's Kingdom (7-9) Jesus' rule will be one of wisdom and righteousness (Jer 23:5) 5 "The days are coming," declares the LORD, "when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. Jesus must rule until God puts all His enemies under His feet (1 Cor 15:22-25) 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. 24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. Jesus rules over an eternal kingdom (2 Peter 1:10-11) 10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus is the eternal King (1 Tim 1:17) 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Jesus will reign for ever and ever (Rev 11:15) 15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." Jesus was born to have the government on His shoulders (Isa 9:6) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Permanency of Jesus (Heb 1:10-12) 10 And: "You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11 They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; 12 Like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail." Christ as God's Son Page 8 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

9 Jesus was in the beginning (10) Jesus was with God in the beginning (John 1:1-4) 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. Jesus called Himself the First (Rev 2:8) 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. Jesus was glorified with God before the world began (John 17:5) 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. Jesus was before all things (Col 1:17) 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Jesus is eternal and immutable (11-12) Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (Rev 1:8) 8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." Jesus is without beginning and end (Heb 7:3) 3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever. Jesus is the Beginning and the End (Rev 22:13) 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Jesus is alive for ever and ever (Rev 1:18) 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Jesus is immutable (Heb 13:8) 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Conclusion and Other Thoughts Concluding Thoughts from the NIV Standard Lesson Commentary In the 2002 movie Spiderman, there is a scene with a girl trapped inside a burning building. The flames are so intense that the police and firefighters are unable to save her. Spiderman, wanted by the police for being a suspected criminal, arrives. At the scene, Spiderman is arrested. He offers to go get the girl. The policeman, though obligated to hold him, suddenly lets him go. Why? Because only Spiderman is able to help. They need the amazing Spiderman to do what they could not. But that s fiction, and there is no Spiderman. Yet humans do indeed live in a burning building: death. This is because of sin. We need someone who can rescue us because we cannot overcome or escape on our own. Whom will we trust to do this? A guardian angel? The author of Hebrews has a better answer: trust Jesus! He is stronger than any Christ as God's Son Page 9 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

10 angel (or any other created being). Our superhero is the very Son of God. He alone is able to save. He is not a comic book character. He is real. Concluding Thoughts from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator In Old Testament times, God revealed Himself to His people through the prophets He had chosen. "In divers manners" simply means that God communicated His mind to the Old Testament saints in various ways. It is important to know that other than Christ, there is no new revelation for man from God. Christ is the heart of the provision of the Father's redeeming grace for mankind. "These last days" speaks of Jesus Christ and His appointed task of being heir of all things. The incarnation of Jesus is a miraculous act of God that has been the focus of more theological studies, sermons, writings, and conversations than perhaps any other Bible subject. The teaching of Jesus, His death and resurrection, and the blessed hope of His sure return could never take place if not for His virgin birth. The angel of the Lord spoke to the shepherds about that marvelous event, saying, "I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). Two time periods are mentioned in the Scriptural text. In the Old Testament, God revealed His mind to men through the prophets. The New Testament brings into the picture Christ, God's Son, whom He appointed heir of all things. With the introduction of Christ came the message that the law cannot save. In his letter to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul wrote, "But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus" (3:23-26). Christ's appointment as heir of all things brings into focus His awesome work. He was the Creator of the universe. All creation, which is controlled by Him, is a testimony of His governing power. He is spoken of as having that responsibility by the Prophet Isaiah, who wrote, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder" (Isa. 9:6). Within the scope of Christ being "appointed heir of all things" is His total ministry. He is the master Physician, There are many references to His healing ministry. The Apostle Matthew wrote, "And great multitudes came unto him, having with them those that were lame, blind, dumb, maimed, and many others, and cast them down at Jesus' feet; and he healed them" (Matt. 15:30). In order for the Father's plan to be carried out as described in Hebrews 1:1-2, it was necessary for miraculous events to take place involving the incarnation of Christ. The Apostle John, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, stated it well. He said, "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). What wonderful truth about Jesus Christ, God's Son, who is revealed by the inspired writers in both the Old and New Testaments! Practical Points from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator 1. God's character is no mystery to us; it is fully revealed in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1-3) 2. We should exalt the one God Himself exalts Jesus Christ (vs. 4) 3. We must never think of Jesus as anything less than almighty God (vs. 8) 4. We cannot love righteousness without hating evil (vs. 9) 5. We miss the wonder of creation if we do not recognize the Creator (vs. 10) 6. God is the one unchanging constant we can depend on and trust in (vs ) Heart of the Lesson from the Bible Expositor and Illuminator How often we struggle to find the words to describe something to someone! If you had never seen the Grand Canyon and asked people to describe it to you, you would probably get some enthusiastic replies, but none of the answers could really take the place of actually going to Arizona to see it in person. That is a little the way God is. Nothing and no one can adequately convey His power and glory and what He is truly like; you simply have to get to know Him for yourself. Christ as God's Son Page 10 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008

11 An exact representation (Heb. 1:1-3) When we are speaking to a small child, it is often difficult for us to find the right words to get our thoughts across because children have difficulty understanding many words and concepts. We might compare this to God's communication to mankind before the new covenant. At first the communication from Him was intermittent and incomplete. The nation of Israel in particular struggled to grasp what it was that God desired. And even when they did, they had a short attention span. This communication barrier was greatly diminished when God sent His Son and showed people what He wanted using a living example. Jesus came to earth and showed us how to love sinners, defining divine love by caring for their needs. Jesus was the living Word that described God perfectly (cf. John 1). His light shone in this dark world, enlightening minds and hearts with truth from God. Jesus' greatest example was to lay down His life to atone for the sins of those He loved. Because of His perfect, righteous work, He was given the very highest position at the right hand of God the Father. His own explanation of who God is and what He desires was now complete, but we can repeat that message by being crucified with Christ and yet living through His power (Rom 12:1; Gal. 2:20). A righteous King (Heb. 1:4, 8-9) Angels are powerful beings. However, they cannot even come close to comparing to God's Son, Jesus. Although the angels serve God just as His Son does, Jesus has been given all authority. He rules His kingdom by righteousness, the same righteousness that He embodied while He was on earth. Because He had proved by His actions that He loves righteousness and loathes evil, He was perfectly qualified to rule over the righteous kingdom of believers. None of the angels were able to make this claim because they were never a part of humanity. Thus, only Jesus received the Father's special commission. An eternal reign (Heb. 1:10-12) These verses are a quotation from Psalm 102: This psalm refers to the distress of one who saw the ruins of Jerusalem (apparently after the Babylonian destruction). The psalmist lamented that God had laid Jerusalem low, but he remembered that the Lord can do what He wants since it is He who created the world, laying its foundations and spreading out the heavens. The psalmist knew that one day God would even bring the whole world to an end. This would be no more work for Him than tossing out an old piece of clothing. This should strike fear into the hearts of unbelievers, since Scripture makes it clear that God's wrath will boll over one day and destroy all His enemies. The Lord Himself, though, will always be there to rule and reign. Since He is good and righteous, believers need not fear. There is always hope, because the reign of this righteous Ruler will never end. Christ as God's Son Page 11 of 11 SS Lesson for 06/01/2008