Introduction

My first computer was very basic. I had to use a roll of sellotape as a steering wheel for a driving game I had. Today's systems are much more advanced. Going back to my first 'sellotape enhanced' system would be madness.

The writer to the Hebrews is convinced that to go back from Jesus to Judaism is madness. Why? Because Jesus is so superior.

The Jews had a high regard for angels. And rightly so. Therefore, says our writer to his Jewish Christian readers, if Jesus holds a position superior even to the angels, why are you thinking of leaving Him?

1. Keep trusting Christ as the successful, eternal son (v4–6)

The writer of Hebrews uses seven Old Testament quotes to convince His readers of Jesus' superiority.

The first quote is from Psalm 2:7. The context of the Psalm, together with the commentary of Acts 13:32 show us that these words are God's declaration of victory to Jesus: "You are my successful Son!"

The next quote is from 2 Samuel 7:14. The context of this passage shows us that God is declaring His Son to be a King who will rule forever. This is a declaration of eternal reign: "You are my Son, and you'll reign forever!"

The final quote is based on Psalm 97:7. The angels, God says, should worship the Son. Why? Because He is the firstborn. Does this mean He was born first and God has lots of children? No. The Jewish Christians would understand 'firstborn' in its Jewish context: a place of privilege and honour.

In view of all that Jesus is, will you walk out on Him? Look at Jesus: is there anyone else with His credentials; anyone else worth following?

2. Keep trusting Christ as the Creator-King (v7–12)

Verse 7 contains a quote from Psalm 104:4. The first line of this quote relates to v10–12; the second line to v8–9.

The first line of v7 then, reads: "He makes His angels winds."

Angels are made but the Son (v10–12) is the maker. The writer is saying to His readers: "Why would you want to leave the creator for the created?"

Are you tempted to leave the creator for something created? Remember this: the created world will be rolled up... by Jesus. Created things will perish, but He never will.

The second line of v7 reads "His servants flames of fire." Angels are servants, but the Son (v8–9) is a King. Why follow a servant rather than a king? But notice that Jesus is a King of righteousness. Only righteous people will be allowed into His kingdom. We are not righteous! Thankfully, on the cross, King Jesus became a servant. If we trust in Him, He gives His righteousness to us! So we can get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

If then, you leave behind the King; you leave behind all hope of the Kingdom.

3. Keep trusting Christ as the forthcoming champion (v13–14)

Our last Old Testament quote is from Psalm 110:1.

In Matthew 22:44 we see that this quote refers to Jesus.

God is saying to Jesus: "Sit in the most exalted position ever; until I defeat your enemies."

Has anyone ever said such a thing to the angels? Of course not!

They are servants, serving Christians.

Christ is sitting at God's right hand; infinitely more exalted than angels.

But here's the thing: Christ is sitting waiting. He's waiting for God to defeat His enemies. All who are not with Him. He will place His feet on the necks of His enemies: a poise of supreme and undebatable victory.

You must realise that rejecting Jesus means becoming His enemy.

His feet, that walked this earth for you, that were nailed to the cross for you, will be placed on your neck, and will crush you.

What will you do?

How will you respond to Jesus, who, even when compared to beings as high as angels, is infinitely greater?