Ep. 341. Hebrews 1-2 | Jesus is Better

EPISODE 341

JESUS IS BETTER: HEBREWS 1-2

I know you probably tire of me saying this, but Hebrews has to be one of my absolute favorite books in the Bible. I mean it this time. I love how Hebrews seems to function a bit like an Old Testament commentary. I love how much of the Scripture the author of Hebrews uses. I love how the entire book is geared to proving that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament systems. In the first chapter alone, there are at least seven Old Testament quotes or references. This also proves our need to read and understand the OT so that we can better make sense of the New Testament.

Of great importance is the idea presented at the opening of Chapter Two, "For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?" The idea of the law being given through angels is relatively new to me, but it certainly is prevalent here in Hebrews as well as in Stephen's defense of the gospel. And if what the angels handed down was rejected, then the penalty was death for the violator; how much more then will those who reject Jesus be subject to death? That which was delivered to Moses by angels was of such value that "every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution." And those were the temporary earthly things. Now, something better than angels is here, namely Jesus, and now, a new covenant has been established based on the testimony of God rather than angels, so there is a greater punishment waiting for those who reject Jesus.

ADDITIONAL READING: Colossians 1:19; Colossians 2:9; Psalm 2:7; 2 Samuel 7:14; Psalm 97:7; Psalm 104:4; Psalm 45:6-7; Psalm 102:25-27; Psalm 110:1; Psalm 8:4-8; Psalm 22:2; Philippians 2:5-11; Isaiah 8:17-18