Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians to show that Jesus is greater/better than the angels, priests, Moses; that Jesus is the greater/better sacrifice, temple, hope, promise, country, resurrection. They were subject to suffering and shame for their confession of Jesus; they were tempted to turn away from the faith (Heb. 10:38,39), and in danger of falling away, perhaps fearing death (Heb. 2:14-18). Thus, the author of Hebrews wrote to exhort them to take heed (Heb. 13:22), persevere, and hold on to faith, by fixing our eyes on Jesus (Heb. 12:2).Heb. 1:1-4 is the introduction to Hebrews, and it is a summary of who Jesus is (the Person and Work of Jesus). It may be the absolute shortest resume on record. From it, we learn that Jesus is all of the following:
- The Creator. "He created the world." (John 1:3, 10; Col. 1:16)
- The Heir. "(God) appointed the heir of all things." As God's adopted sons through Jesus, we too are heirs (Rom. 8:14-17; Gal. 4:6,7; Heb. 1:14).
- The Glory of God. "He is the radiance of the glory of God." (2 Cor. 4:4-6)
- Upholder. "He upholds the universe by the word of his power." (cf. Col. 1:17)
- Mediator. "(He provided) purification of sins." (Tit. 2:14; Rev. 1:5)
- Inheritor of an exalted/excellent/superior name. "The name he has inherited is more excellent."
Heb. 1:5-14 quotes from the Old Testament to give the evidence of Jesus' status as Son and God, which is why Jesus is superior to the angels (Heb. 1:4).
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