Exploring the Scripture

Although Hebrews ends as if it were a letter, it opens as an essay. The writer affirms God speaks to humankind throughout the ages, a belief central to Community of Christ. God spoke through prophets in the past, but around 400 BCE religious leaders decreed that God stopped speaking—the heavens were closed, and the age of prophecy had ended. Hebrews affirms God’s revelation continues through Jesus Christ.

Throughout the centuries theologians have discussed the nature and role of Jesus Christ. Christians have affirmed that Jesus Christ is fully God and also fully human. The book of Hebrews begins by stressing the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as God’s Son.

Christ is God’s heir, creator of the universe, reflecting God’s glory and the “imprint of God’s very being” (v. 3). Christ continues to sustain life through “his powerful word,” a parallel to God’s work of creation through the word (Ibid.). In the same verse, the author refers to Jesus’ humanity. “When he had made purification for sins” refers to Jesus’ death on the cross (v. 3).

However, the allusion is subtle, nearly lost in describing his divine nature. Christ became superior to the angels and sat down at the right hand of God (Majesty). Angels are only spiritual beings. Christ is spiritual, divine, human, God’s heir, and eternal. Angels serve; Christ creates, sustains, redeems, purifies, and rules. Hebrews quotes seven scripture passages, mainly from the Psalms, to build a case for Christ being superior to the angels (vv.5–12).

Chapter 2, verse 5 further refers to the Psalms (8:4–6) comparing angels to humans. The quote describes humans as being a little lower than the angels, in contrast to Christ, who is superior. Even though humans are lower than the angels, God gave humans control of the Earth, “subjecting all things under their feet” (v. 8). But, as the author points out, humankind had not yet succeeded in bringing all things under their control—with one exception. For a time, Jesus was human. He was glorified through his death and resurrection. Everything, including death, was now subordinate to the Risen Christ.

Here we find the Divine Christ (superior to the angels) balanced by the human Christ (a little lower than the angels). The paradox corrects the portrait of Christ that appears untouchable and unsympathetic to the everyday problems of human existence. He, too, has suffered, been humiliated, experienced death, and therefore becomes approachable.

Jesus is the pioneer (also translated as Author or Leader) of salvation, the forerunner who only reached completion and full maturity as the Savior through his sufferings. The author declares that humanity’s salvation required Jesus to suffer and die for all. (Later theologians proposed alternative atonement theories.) Jesus “sanctifies” his followers, transforming their flaws and brokenness into holiness (v. 11). Christians, who receive sanctification, call God “Father,” or Mother or Parent (Ibid.). Thus, Jesus called his followers “brothers and sisters,” confirming the capacity of ordinary people to have the same relationship with God that Jesus had (vv. 11, 12). Through Christ, we are united to God and one another as a spiritual family. 

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The book of Hebrews begins with the divinity of Jesus Christ and his role as God’s son.
2. Christ is superior to the angels, which he temporarily gave up to live as a human being.
3. Jesus was glorified through his death and resurrection, a sacrifice that brought about salvation for all humankind.
4. Jesus Christ “sanctifies” his followers, transforming their flaws and brokenness into holiness.

Questions to Consider

1. How is the “imprint of God’s very being” visible in your life?
2. Are you more comfortable with Christ’s divinity or humanity? How does your answer reflect your relationship with God and Christ?
3. What is your understanding of Christ’s death on the cross for our sins? How does Christ’s death provide salvation?
4. How does the idea of sacrifice relate to your life as a disciple in today’s world? How does it relate to the outreach of a vibrant, passionate congregation?