Introduction:  The writer of Hebrews called his work a "word of exhortation" (13:22). It reads like a sermon. A truth is stated, explained, and then applied. We are exhorted (encouraged) to do something because of the truth that has been presented. As we explained in the first lesson, every point the author makes centers upon the person, position, or performance of Christ. Our salvation rests upon who Christ is, where He is, and what He has done. The problem is not that we are ignorant of these truths, but that we ignore them. We simply do not live as if they are true. As the author writes in 2:1, we let them slip. Consequently, many believers never experience the full reality of God’s "so great salvation." In sinful neglect, they settle for something less. In this section, Paul demonstrates the superiority of Christ over the angels. Angels are identified with the work of God. They are superior beings with great power. Throughout history, people have looked to angels for guidance, power, and healing. At times, angels were elevated in worship to the same level as God. The Jews were no different. Because angels had a prominent role in the Old Testament works of God, they were highly revered. Even the Apostle John once fell down in worship before one of God’s messengers (Revelation 19:10). As the author points out, men listened when an angel spoke and, like Lot’s wife, suffered when they did not obey. How much more important must it be to hear and heed the Living Word of God? In this opening argument, the writer demonstrates the superiority of Christ over the angels in three ways.

Christ Has A More Excellent Name – "Son"

I.          HE IS THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD BY INHERITANCE. (VV.2-4)

            A.    He Is Appointed Heir Of All Things.

As the Son of God, He is the rightful heir to all that the Father possesses. This shows that Jesus enjoys a unique and superior relationship with the Father.

            B.     He Was The Agent Of Creation.

John 1:3 – "All things were made by Him, and without Him was not any thing made…”

Colossians 1:16 –"For by Him were all things created … visible and invisible…."

            C.     He Is The Brightness Of God’s Glory.

Because He is God, Jesus possesses and exhibits all the glorious attributes of deity. As sunshine is the visible display of the energy of the sun, so Jesus forever radiates the glory of the Father.

            D.    He Is The Express Image Of God’s Person.

The words "express image" mean an exact reproduction. Concerning his deity, Jesus was in every respect exactly like His Father. He was not a cheap imitation of God, but a perfect expression of the person of God because He was God.

            E.     He Upholds All Things By The Word Of His Power.

Uphold as used here means "to bring forward." It means that a person has the power to keep something moving in the direction it should go. With executive authority, Christ gives the commands that keep all of creation moving towards its divinely appointed destiny.

           F.      Alone, He Died To Cleanse Us From Sins.

He did that which neither fallen man or mighty angel could accomplish. Included in this list of divine glories is the fact that Jesus died for our sins – God himself became our Redeemer.

          G.    He Is Seated At The Right Hand Of God.

This shows that the divine person of Christ was not tarnished by the act of taking our sins upon Himself Having purged us of our sins, He resumed His rightful place – enthroned in Heaven at the Father’s right hand.

II.        HE IS THE HUMAN SON OF GOD BY INCARNATION. (V.5)

           A.    Angels Are Called "Sons" Of God By Creation. 

           B.     Men Are Called “Sons” Of God By Regeneration.

           C.     Jesus Is The Son Of God By Incarnation.

Only He was "begotten" of the Father. Supernaturally conceived in a virgin womb, Jesus was both God and man, the incarnate "Son" of God.  

Conclusion:     When Jesus became man He obtained a more excellent name. What was that name? It was the name “Son.” The name Son is the incarnational title of Christ. The name “Son” is the name of His humanity. His name in eternity is always “God.” For example, we read in verse 8, “But unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.” Before He ever became a man He was God. His name in humanity is “Son.” When the eternal Christ came to earth as a servant, He assumed the title of God’s Son.