These Hebrew Christians were so discouraged, because of opposition (Hebrews 10:32–34, 12:4) that they were even thinking of giving up the Christian faith and returning to their old Jewish religion. We don't really know who wrote this letter, but whoever he was, he was inspired by God to write it to encourage these believers. Nor do we know where they were living. Chapter 13:24 says, 'Those who have come from Italy greet you,' which may suggest that the recipients were living in Italy. The writer encourages them by reminding them of the greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ. His theme throughout the letter is that he is greater than anyone or anything they knew in their old Jewish religion. Greater than the OT prophets (1:1–3), greater than the angels (1:4 to the end of C2), Moses (3:3), Joshua (4:8). Even greater then Aaron the High Priest (C5) for Christ is a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 1:1–3 tell us three vital things about the Lord Jesus Christ.

A. The Pre-eminent Person he is

1. He is the Son of God. He is not just another prophet. The prophets were great men and God spoke through them (therefore the OT is the Word of God) but Jesus is greater.
2. He is the one through whom and for whom God made the universe (verse 2).
3. He radiates God’s glory (verse 3) because he is God himself (see Colossians 2:9).

B. The Wonderful Work He has done (verse 3)

'He has provided purification for sins'. Literally, 'He carried out a cleansing' so that God no longer looks upon us as guilty, sinful people. He did this by taking upon Himself all the guilt of our sin and bearing the punishment of it as our substitute. He offered Himself as a sacrifice in our place. That comes out so clearly in this letter, e.g. 9:26 'He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.'

There are two things which make this wonderful work even more wonderful.

1. It was a lonely work. When he made atonement for our sin and cleansed away our guilt he did it all by himself! Many versions have the words 'by himself' in verse 3. 'After he, by himself, had provided purification for sins...' That needs to be stressed because many people think that Jesus needs our help, or someone else's to save us!
2. It is a completed work. There's nothing more to be done. 'After he had provided purification for sins [it's in the past tense] he sat down at the right hand of the majesty in heaven.' That phrase 'sat down' emphasises his completed work (see chapter 10:11–12).

C. The Prominent Position he now occupies

He is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. He came from heaven to this earth. Now he has returned, but there is a sense in which he has returned there in a different manner. He has taken his human nature and body back to heaven and as the God/man is now in the most exalted position in the universe. From that position:

1. He reigns as the King of Kings (Matthew 28:18).
2. He watches over his people (Ephesians 1:22).
3. He is praying for us (Hebrews 7:25).
4. He is waiting (Psalm 110:1, Hebrews 1:13).
5. Sometimes he stands to welcome his people home (Acts 7:56).