Key Verses – 4 & 8
4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.
8 But to the Son He says:
“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever;
A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.
Recall that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers to help them understand that Jesus is better than what they’ve known from the law. Angels were important to them, and while they are important and powerful beings, they don’t compare to Jesus.
There was a tradition that we see referenced multiple times in various New Testament books that the Old Covenant was mediated by angels. We see this mentioned by Stephen in Acts 7:53, by Paul in Galatians 3:19, and in Hebrews as we will see in chapter two. We also see angels interacting with people all throughout the Bible. Because of their positions in God’s presence, they receive much respect. But the writer of Hebrews wants us to understand that Jesus is so much better because while angels are messengers, He is the Son.
Jesus has a more excellent name by inheritance. Messengers don’t receive the inheritance – the Son does. Angels might be flames of fire, but Jesus is the Light of the World. Angels have power, but Jesus has the scepter of righteousness. Angels serve in God’s presence, but Jesus is seated at the Father’s right hand. Angels fight battles, but God makes Jesus’ enemies His footstool. Angels are amazing, but the Son is exalted. There simply is no comparison.
In closing, we referenced verse eight just above. It is a quotation of Psalm 45:6, which states, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” Jesus rules with a scepter of righteousness, not a scepter of condemnation. He said so plainly in John 3:17 – “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” In the Old Covenant, failure to keep the law resulted in guilt and condemnation. But Jesus did not bring guilt and condemnation to us; He bore them for us. No angel could do that. Jesus is so much better.
Braving Grace 