Hebrews 1
by Philip Layton
The superiority and divinity of Jesus Christ
Discussion Questions
- Jesus is the ‘exact representation of his [God’s] being’ (v 3) – what do you think this means?
- This first chapter of Hebrews seems to emphasise the superiority of Jesus Christ to prophets and angels. Why do you think the author may have wanted to do this?
- In what way is the style of these first paragraphs different from the letters we know Paul wrote?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Hebrews is an epistle written to the chosen people of God. Yet there are two things we really don’t know about this letter. First, we are unsure about who wrote it. It was definitely written in the apostle Paul’s era, but it doesn’t claim Pauline authorship. In fact, the author claims to be a second-generation Christian. People witnessed Christ, then passed on their experiences to those who came later:
This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him (2:3).
Second, we are unsure whom it was specifically written to. Yet we do know it was written to a local church, not just as a general letter. Hebrews was meant for a group of people in a specific geographical location, since a future visit to see them was planned:
I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you (13:23).
Christ came for all. Yet many of his chosen people didn’t receive him as the Messiah. John 1:11 says: ‘He came to his own people, but they didn’t want him’ (The Message).The people misunderstood fundamental things about Christ. This letter was written to address some of those misconceptions; to explain how Jesus completes and fulfils Israel’s history, law, ceremonial rituals and priesthood. Written to explain the supremacy of Christ – our great High Priest.
As we read this important letter to the Hebrew people, may we be blessed again, seeing how the Old Testament is so valued in completing the New Testament. Acknowledging, again, our Lord as King and ruler over all. Our Father. My Lord.
Beverly Ivany
Tags: Hebrews