Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
The author of Hebrews, whoever he is, seems to really love a particular word. It occurs 12 times in this book, and one could argue that it gets to the heart of the overall message of Hebrews. The word in Greek is kreittōn, which is translated as “better” or “superior.” We see it right here in verse 4: Jesus is much superior to the angels.
Angels were revered in Jewish culture. It was believed that angels delivered the Ten Commandments from God to Moses. Angels are often seen surrounding God’s throne, and they play a significant role in God’s work among His people throughout the Bible. Angels are majestic creatures that often bring terror and fear when they appear (Luke 2:10).
However, Jesus is far better. No angel could be described as the radiance of God’s glory or the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). No angel was ever called God’s Son (Hebrews 1:5) or invited to sit at God’s right hand (Hebrews 1:13). Most importantly, no angel ever took on flesh and died in our place to purify our sins (Hebrews 1:3). For these reasons, and countless others, Jesus is better. Angels, who were sometimes wrongly worshiped in the early church (Colossians 2:18), are themselves commanded to worship this superior Son (Hebrews 1:6). As we read further in the book of Hebrews, we’ll see that Jesus is better than Moses, better than Joshua, better than the Jewish Sabbath, and even better than the Old Covenant.
The author can’t say it enough: Jesus is better!
Whatever it is that we love, whatever it is that we value and treasure, whatever it is that we obsess over and keep at the forefront of our minds, Jesus is better. Whether it is beauty, health, success, security, influence, power, or pleasure, Jesus truly is better and infinitely superior. This truth may come to you today as a comfort or as an eye-opening correction. You may need to rest in it, or you may need to readjust your hope because of it. Whatever the case, gently and slowly tell yourself these words: Jesus. Is. Better.
Now ask God for the faith to believe those words as you live them out today.
Father, help me to believe that Jesus truly is better. Nothing else deserves my allegiance and my affection the way He does. Keep my gaze fixed on Him, and protect my heart from believing that anything could ever compare to Him. In Jesus’ better name, Amen.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.