If we reduce the book of Hebrews to one word, that word would be “better.” We are told Jesus is better than Moses and Joshua; He is a better high priest than the earthly ones and so on. In the first chapter Jesus is shown to be “better than the angels” (Hebrews 1:4).
Angels are created beings, powerful and majestic, yet Jesus is far better than they, as He laid the very foundations of the earth, and all things were created through Him (Hebrews 1:2, 10; Colossians 1:16). He is changeless and eternal, being the “exact” representation of God’s nature. It is Jesus, not the angels, who share God’s name, a better name than they have, for He is God’s son (Hebrews 1:3-5).
The Angels are ministering spirits. They aid us who are the inheritors of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). But Jesus is the very one who gives us salvation through his perfect life, atoning death and resurrection. After which, Jesus ascended to the right of the “Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3, 13). There is no place higher than heaven’s throne, and it is the place Jesus sits.
So it is clear the angels are inferior to Jesus. This is also shown in the fact that they worship him (Hebrews 1:6). The apostle John was so dazzled by an angel’s brilliance that he fell prostrate before him. But the angel sharply rebuked John for trying to worship him, as worship is reserved ONLY for God (Revelation 19:10; 22:8, 9). By worshipping Jesus, the angels clearly declare His divinity.
But it is not only the angels that declare this. God the Father says it is so. The Father says of the Son, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” (Hebrews 1:8, 9). God, the Father, in no uncertain terms calls his Son “God.”
And yet it was from this vaulted position, that Jesus descended. He emptied himself of his divine rights to take on human nature, to become a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9). That showed extraordinary humility. But Jesus went even lower. In taking on our humanity, He subjected himself to death, even to the death and shame of the cross (Philippines 2:5-8). He, who knew no sin, willingly bore our sin, guilt, and judgment. He therefore made purification for all our sin. Because of Jesus we have forgiveness, redemption and eternal life.
Is Jesus worthy of worship? The angels say yes! What say you?
