Knowing Jesus 3

The Aim of this devotional study is to grow in the knowledge of the ministry and identity of Jesus.

Scripture

Hebrews 1:1-13

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a 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 ministers a flame of fire.”

8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no 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”?

Observation

In v1-2 the author of Hebrews writes “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” What does he mean too say? Write this in your own words.
What do we learn of Jesus and his life in the introductory verses (v1-4)?
In v5-13 the author quotes several Psalms where God was speaking to His Son. Make a list of the things God says/ said to his Son? (as quoted above)

Application

Reading the text above, summarize what we learn from Jesus in three points.
Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (v3). From Scripture we learn that we ought to be conformed to the image of Jesus, i.e. “the radiance of the glory of [Jesus] and the exact imprint of [Jesus’] nature”. Just looking at the text above, what can we prayerfully emulate about Jesus today? (hint: consider v9)

Prayer

The epistle to the Hebrews is in big part about the Superiority of Jesus over all things, as we read today he is superior to the angels. Our correct response is worship; spend some time and worship our Lord – tell Him his worth!

Then pray to God to cultivate the heart of Jesus in you to “love righteousness and hate wickedness.”