1. Christ is a Better Messenger Lessons from Hebrews

2. Introduction ► Jesus Christ is God’s spokesman for today. When angels spoke, their message was unalterable (Heb. 2:2). ► Moses received the binding ordinances on Sinai (Heb. 10:28). ► However, Christ is better than the angels, better than Moses, better than all others who came before (John 1:17; Heb. 1:1-4).

3. Introduction ► The Greek word kreittōn, translated “better,” occurs a total of nineteen times in the NT – thirteen of which are found in the letter to the Hebrews. ► BDAG say it “(1) pertains to being of high status, more prominent, higher in rank, preferable, better; (2) pertains to having a relative advantage in value.” ► Louw & Nida define it as: “(1) pertaining to being superior to something else in characteristics or function; (2) pertaining to having a higher status in comparison to something else.”

4. Identification of the Son ► The Son of God (Deity) ► The Son of Man (Humanity)

5. The Son of God ► The title “Son of God” is used of relationship and character. ► Jesus Christ is the very Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father (Heb. 1:1-2, 5; 5:5). He is the manifestation of God in human form (John 1:1-3, 14).

6. The Son of God ► Jesus is a reflection of God’s glory, nature and power. ► His accomplishments are unparalleled: He upholds all things by the word of His power; He made purification of sins; having completed his work, He is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3- 4).

7. The Son of Man ► The Hebrews writer uses the title, “Son of Man,” to communicate the Lord’s humanity (Heb. 2:5-9; cf. Ps. 8:3-8).

8. The Son of Man ► Jesus employed this expression to describe:  His kinship with mankind (Matt. 8:20; 11:19),  His divine authority (Matt. 9:6-8; 12:8),  His mission (Matt. 18:11; 20:28),  His rejection and agony (Mark 8:31; 9:31),  His temporal judgment upon Jerusalem (Matt. 24:27, 30),  and His final judgment of all mankind (Matt. 13:41-42; 25:31-32).

9. Supremacy of the Son ► Better than Angels ► Better than Moses

10. Better than Angels ► Jesus is better than the angels – perfectly reflecting God’s nature, glory and power (Heb. 1:3-4). ► As the Only Begotten of the Father, the Christ Child was worshipped by angels (Heb. 1:5-6; Luke 2:8-14).

11. Better than Angels ► Angels are God’s ministering servants, but the Son shares equality with the Father (Heb. 1:7-8, 14; Ps. 104:4). ► Angels are powerful (Ps. 103:19-22), but Christ is more so (1 Cor. 8:5-6; Col. 1:16- 17).

12. Better than Angels ► Certain angels sinned (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6), but Christ remained sinless (2 Cor. 5:20-21; 1 Pet. 2:21-25). ► Both angels and Christ render service (Mark 10:45; Rev. 22:8-9), but He also commands (Matt. 28:18-20), angelic powers being subject unto him (1 Pet. 3:21-22).

13. Better than Moses ► Jesus is higher than Moses (Heb. 3:1-6). ► Not a building, but the Builder; not a servant, but the Son – Christ is superior to the lawgiver of Mt. Sinai (Mark 9:2-8).

14. Better than Moses ► Because of his faithless transgression at Meribah, Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land (Num. 20:8-13, 23-24; 27:13-14; Deut. 3:23-29), and the mantle of leadership passed to Joshua (Num. 27:15- 23; Deut. 31:23).

15. Better than Moses ► However, the sinless Son of God has gone before us into heaven. ► He ever remains our Faithful Leader and Guide, Captain and Commander, Savior and Redeemer (Heb. 4:14-16; 7:26-28).

16. Blessings & Duties of Sonship ► Being adopted into God’s family, we share a precious relationship with the Father and the Son (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:4-7; Heb. 2:9-13). ► Recognizing that Jesus is that prophet like unto Moses (Deut. 18:15-19; Acts 3:17-26), let us faithfully hear and heed His message (Heb. 2:1-4). ► We must submit to the Father’s discipline, training and instruction (Heb. 12:4-11; cf. Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

17. Conclusion ► Wisdom pleads, “My son, hear and heed the will of God” (Prov. 1:8; 1:10; 2:1-5; 3:1, 11- 12)! ► If you are outside of Christ, obey the gospel and enjoy the blessings of sonship; have faith in the Lord Jesus, and be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:26-29).