Superior to the Angels,

Final Word

Hebrews 2:1-18

5 Admonitions to the Hebrews and Us

• 2:1- drifting from the word (neglect)

• 3:7-9- doubting the word (hard heart)

• 5:11- dull toward the word (sluggish in growth)

• 10:26- despising the word (willful)

• 12:25- defying the word (refusing to hear)

So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his

purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath…We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that

enters into the inner place behind the curtain (Hebrews 6:17-19 ESV)

HOPE IN GOD’S WORD IS ANCHOR

…while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed

according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking.

(Hebrews 2:4-5 ESV)

THE WORD IS FROM THE LORD, ATTESTED BY MIRACLES

Human, but not inferior to Angels?

Humans are definitely inferior to angels…

…what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you

have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under

his feet, (Psalm 8:4-6 ESV)

Why wouldn’t Jesus be inferior?

Human, but not inferior to Angels?

1. His humanity allowed us to see…

putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to

him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in

subjection to him. But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely

Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of

God he might taste death for everyone. (Hebrews 2:8-9 ESV)

…glory & honor & grace because of His death

Human, but not inferior to Angels?

2. His humanity allowed Him to bring many sons to glory.

For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory,

should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies

and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call

them brothers, (Hebrews 2:10-11 ESV)

He “opens the way” into a new family

Human, but not inferior to Angels?

3. His humanity allowed Him to destroy and deliver

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise

partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the

one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all

those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

(Hebrews 2:14-15 ESV)

Human, but not inferior to Angels?

4. His humanity allowed Him to to be a merciful and faithful High Priest

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a

merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the

people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are

being tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18 ESV)

“Faithful” in His service to God. “Merciful” in His service to men.

Was it really so foolish for God to become man, becoming

inferior to angels?

• It was THE way to accomplish His amazing mission of mercy and grace

• Angels are outside this plan to bring men to God, outside looking in.