Hebrews 1: Starting the Race
WHEN THE ANCIENT church father John Chrysostom, bishop of Constantinople, was summoned by Emperor Arcadius and threatened with banishment, he responded, "You cannot banish me, for the whole world is my Father's kingdom."
"Then I will take away your life," said the emperor.
"You cannot," answered Chrysostom, "for my life is hid with Christ in God."
"I will take away your treasure," roared the emperor.
"You can't," replied Chrysostom, "for my treasure is in heaven, where my heart is."
"Then I will drive you away from all your friends," the emperor said.
"You cannot, for I have one friend from whom you can never separate me. I defy you," said Chrysostom, "because you can do me no harm."
Such conviction grows out of a firm grasp of who Jesus Christ really is. Hebrews 1 will get you started on the race with a look at the majesty, power and glory of Jesus Christ.
Warming Up to God
Focus on what you have experienced of the majesty, power and glory of Jesus Christ. Praise Jesus for who he is.
Read Hebrews 1. »
Discovering the Word
- How do verses 1-3 reveal the essential truth of Christ's supremacy and sufficiency?
- Based on what we learn in verses 2-3, how would you answer the question "Who is Jesus Christ?"
- To drive his point home, the author uses seven Old Testament citations. What characteristics or attributes of Jesus does the writer find in the Old Testament to prove his claim that Jesus is superior to angels (vv. 4-14)?
- Who is the source of all these astounding statements (vv. 5-8, 10, 13)?
- What do you learn about angels from these verses?
- Based on what you have observed in verses 5-14, how would you expand your answer to the question "Who is Christ?"
Applying the Word
- What needs in your life do these qualities of Jesus address?
- What kind of life should you have because all this is true of Jesus?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that your life will reflect your knowledge of Jesus.
For Further Study
The Race Set Before Us by Thomas R. Schreiner & Ardel B Caneday