Better Than Even Angels

We may find it surprising that the writer to the Hebrews has to argue that Jesus is superior to angels. He has already acknowledged him as Creator. Many Western Christians do not put much store by celestial beings. On the other hand, increasingly, people searching for a new spirituality show interest in the unseen world, fearing demons or anticipating angels in many manifestations. I often hear people experiencing a painful bereavement, talking about the one who has died watching over them from above, comforting them and being present with them. Australian sports fans reacted similarly after the sudden death of a promising young player; at significant milestones in the next few games players paused to gesture to the heavens in acknowledgment of their teammate looking down and cheering them on. A biblical doctrine of angels has much support in the life of Jesus and the early church. In addition to the announcements of his birth (Luke 1:26–28; 2:13,14), we are told that angels ministered to Jesus after his initial temptation and in Gethsemane (Matt. 4:11; Luke 22:43). The early church experienced angelic assistance (Acts 5:19; 12:8; 27:23), and Jesus spoke of coming with his angels (Matt. 16:27). In Africa and Asia, Christians tell stories of God’s help coming to them through angels. Do we need our eyes opened to see the angelic hosts around us (2 Kings 6:17)? Here in Hebrews the point is that Jesus is superior not only to angels but also to the Law. The Hebrew people greatly revered the Law and believed it was delivered to them by an angel (Acts 7:38). It was a challenge for them to regard anything as superior to it, even the Messiah whom it promised. However, if you have the One the Law points to, why go back to the preparatory message or the messenger? This Messiah brings real justice (8), is unchanging (12) and is enthroned on high (13). Clearly superior!

Follow God’s instruction to the angels (6), and use verses 5–13 as the basis of your own worship of Jesus.