Jesus is Greater than Angels and the Torah
Have you ever been asked, “Why do you believe what you believe?” and struggled to come up with a solid answer? It’s a question that challenges us to think deeply about the foundations of our faith. Today, we’re launching a brand new series titled “Jesus is Greater,” where we’ll explore why Jesus truly is greater than anything, anyone, or any messenger that came before Him. To dig into this, we’ll be looking at the book of Hebrews, a powerful letter that speaks to believers, especially those with a rich understanding of the Old Testament.
The Mysterious Book of Hebrews
Hebrews is a bit of a mystery. We don’t know exactly who wrote it. While some attribute it to Paul, the style and tone don’t quite match his other letters, so it remains uncertain. What we do know is that this letter was addressed to Jewish Christians, around 30 to 40 years after the resurrection of Jesus. These believers were facing persecution for their faith, and the writer’s goal was to encourage them to remain faithful.
The Jewish Christians of this time had a deep reverence for their history, particularly the teachings of the Old Testament. They understood the significance of the prophets, angels, and the Torah (the first five books of the Bible), so the writer of Hebrews sets out to make a bold point: Jesus is greater than all of it.
Why Was Hebrews Written?
Hebrews was written with two primary purposes in mind:
- To show that Jesus is greater than anything in Hebrew history.
- To comfort and encourage believers in the face of persecution.
Jesus is Greater
Now, let’s dive into the first of the core message of Hebrews. The writer emphasizes that Jesus is greater than any messenger who came before Him. There are three key categories of messengers in the Old Testament that Hebrews addresses: prophets, angels, and the Torah. Let’s break each of these down:
1. Jesus is Greater Than the Prophets
The first comparison made is between Jesus and the prophets. Hebrews 1:1 states, “Long ago, God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. Now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son.”
Prophets were messengers who delivered God’s word, often in difficult and challenging times. They would speak on behalf of God, offering rebukes, warnings, and hope. The Jewish people revered their prophets, such as Isaiah and Micah, and rightly so. However, Hebrews makes it clear: Jesus is greater than any prophet.
This distinction is essential. Other faith systems, like Islam, view Muhammad as a prophet, and Mormonism considers Joseph Smith a prophet. But Hebrews stresses that Jesus is not just a prophet—He is the Son of God. His role is unique, and His message is greater than anything the prophets delivered.
2. Jesus is Greater Than the Angels
Next, the writer compares Jesus to angels. In the Old Testament, angels played significant roles as messengers, warriors, and even worshippers of God. They appeared to people in both ordinary and extraordinary forms, such as when angels announced the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah.
However, while angels are highly revered in the Jewish faith, Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is greater than the angels. In fact, Hebrews 1:4 tells us that “the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave Him is greater than their names.” Jesus is not another angel—He is the Son of God, the one who created the universe and sustains it by His power.
3. Jesus is Greater Than the Torah
The Torah, the first five books of the Bible, was highly esteemed by the Jewish people. It was believed to be delivered by God through Moses, with angels playing a role in the delivery. For Jewish people, the Torah wasn’t just a set of rules; it was the very Word of God.
But Hebrews presents a radical claim: Jesus is greater than the Torah. Hebrews 2:1-4 warns that if we ignore the salvation offered through Jesus, we risk drifting away from the truth. Jesus fulfilled the law; He is the Word of God made flesh. The Torah pointed to Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.
The Warning: Don’t Worship the Messengers, Worship the Message
With all this talk of messengers, there’s a crucial warning given in Hebrews 2:1-4: Don’t worship the messenger—worship the message.
In today’s world, we live in a celebrity culture. People elevate others to superstar status, whether they’re actors, athletes, or even pastors. But the writer of Hebrews cautions us not to elevate the messenger above the message. If we idolize the messenger, we’re missing the point.
Jesus is the message.
He is the one we are called to worship, not the individuals who deliver the message. In fact, when we elevate people—whether celebrities, leaders, or influencers—above the message of Jesus, it leads to self-destruction. As we’ve seen in the news, many celebrities and leaders falter under the weight of public adoration. Hebrews reminds us that only Jesus is worthy of our worship.
Don’t Ignore the Message of Salvation
Finally, Hebrews warns us not to ignore the message of salvation. Many other faith systems acknowledge that we’re separated from God and that we need to do something about it. They may say we need to try harder or be better people. But Jesus offers a unique solution—He paid the price for our sins. He died in our place, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. This is the central message of Christianity.
Hebrews asks us: Will you receive this salvation? It’s a choice we all must make. You can know about Jesus, but knowing Him personally and accepting His gift of salvation is what changes everything.
Written by Pastor Mark Hardacre