Christ the Superior Spokesman
The main purpose of Hebrews is to show the superiority of Christ. It appears some Hebrew converts were tempted return to serving Moses’ law. It was important for them to recognize Christ as the lawgiver for this age.
The inspired writer was so full of his subject that he did not take the time to extend the usual greetings or identify himself. He launched into a sentence four verses long, giving a complete preview of the letter’s subject matter. His purpose is to demonstrate the absolute superiority of Christ and His church.
He begins with, "God has spoken." He spoke out of a burning bush (Exodus 3:1-6); in dreams (Genesis 40:8; Daniel 2:19-23); and in a still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12). The writer says God spoke to the Jewish forefathers through his spokesmen, the prophets, proclaimers of divine truth. They spoke with divine authority (Exodus 4:12; Jeremiah 1:7-9; Matthew 22:31-32; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21). God revealed His will a portion at a time and in many ways.
God changed spokesmen in the days of the gospel dispensation. He spoke through his Son to us. Moses’ law was still in force during Jesus’ personal ministry (Matthew 8:4; 23:1-4). He insisted it would not pass away until all of it passed (Matthew 5:17-19). Thus, all of it was in force during Christ’s ministry.
Christ did not assume authority until after His resurrection (Acts 2:34-36; Romans 1:4; Ephesians 1:19-23). He thus brought about the end of one age and the beginning of another (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 3:1-6). Peter announced the beginning of the last days on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:16-21). Jesus now speaks to all who will receive his message. He instructed his disciples to teach all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
The messenger during the gospel dispensation is the only begotten Son of God. Obviously the message is important if God sent His Son to deliver it to man. Psalm 2:7-8 shows Jesus was appointed by God to be the Son. God planned for him to receive the nations as an inheritance. Psalm 22:22-27 shows he will rule over them. They will show their subjection to him and honor him by worship.
God made the worlds by the Son, his spokesman. John affirmed the same point in John 1:1-5. Jesus’ purpose was to do the work God sent him to do. He prayed God’s will would be done (John 9:4; Matthew 26:36-44). Jesus was not just another part of the creation. Paul told the Colossian brethren Christ created the worlds. Everything now stands by his power (Hebrews 1:17). All things are upheld by his word in that they were put in motion by and remain because of it.
Jesus was God come down to earth. His glory was testified to by the Father and the Holy Spirit at his baptism (Matthew 3:13-17). He shines forth with the glory that is the glory of the Father (Colossians 1:15; John 1:14). Jesus is God’s "express image" like the exact imprint of a seal in wax (Hebrews 1:3).
“Upholding all things by the word of His power" refers to Jesus’ responsibility for the "providential government" of the universe and his direction of its destiny (Lightfoot). He is our redeemer (John 3:16-17). It is in the likeness of his death, burial and resurrection that we are able to put away our old lives of sin. We thereby begin to live a new life (Romans 6). Jesus was made a purification for our sins. He exercised his priestly office in offering his own blood in sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus told his disciples he would go to be with his Father. He planned to build a place for his people (John 14:1-6). The writer of Hebrew declares, with the Psalmist (110:1), that Jesus is on the right hand of God in heaven (Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; 1 Peter 3:21-22). His place at God’s right hand is pointed to as a glorious hope of his coming again to receive us.
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