Christ Through the Ages, 19: Hebrews—Not Just Superior, But Supreme

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.Introductory thoughtsThe Hebrew writer (c.66-68 AD) urges his readers not to be drawn away from Christ to Judaism.To this end, the writer makes an extended comparison -- the new is better than the old; Christianity is better than Judaism.The Hebrew writer thinks many Christians can't handle meaty teaching; for them, it's all milk (Heb 5:11-14). Which kind of Bible student am I going to be? Which word describes the maturity of my faith and teaching, meaty or milky?Consider the Latin adjectives super, superior, supremus (positive, comparative, and superlative forms). Nothing is higher than supreme.Christ is superior in many ways:ProphetsAngelsMosesJoshuaSabbathHigh priestCovenantTabernacleSacrificesYet Christ is beyond superior; he's supreme!Eternal (1:2, 7:18, etc -- present at creation, and remains forever).Divine ruler (1:3, 12:2 -- as he sits at the right hand of the Father).Above the angels -- divine (1:6 -- if he's worshiped by the angels, then he's above their level; he's not a mere man, nor an angel, but God).God (1:8 -- Christ is addressed "Your throne, O God...").Incarnate God (2:14 -- he came to share in our humanity [the incarnation], which means he was no mere enlightened human teacher, but divine).Great Shepherd (13:20 -- but the Lord is our Shepherd, as in Psalm 23, hence Jesus Christ is God).To Him be glory forever (13:21 -- again, suggesting his deity).Supremacy: illustrationsEinstein superior to Newton, who was superior to the ancient Greeks... but only God is supreme.An athlete batting 400 is superior the one batting 200, but who bats 1000? No one could possibly be better.A trillion (1,000,000,000,000) is much greater than a million (1,000,000), but ∞ (100000000000...0000 ad infinitum) is supreme!ConclusionChrist is not only superior; he is supreme.He is supreme because he is God.And since he is God, he deserves our worship.May this insight inspire us today!Further studyBack from the Edge: A Study of Hebrews (10 lessons, audio).Perseverance: Hanging on to Jesus Through Hebrews (John Oakes, 8 hours audio with 44 pages of notes + PowerPoint)AIM Exposition of Hebrews (12 lessons, DVD), to be published Spring 2014 by IPI.Next up: 1-2 Peter -- In His Steps.