We live in an age of angelology! It is said that it is difficult to pinpoint the exact count of modern-day books written about angels, but they are numerous. Also, the airwaves are filled with many movies and series documenting and involving angels. Angels have captivated the minds and interests of many since the beginning of time, and in many ways, they are misunderstood and misapplied.
That is why we are going to be taking a closer look at the topic of angels here in Hebrews. The author, in his opening verses 1:4-14, lays out his argument by simply stating Jesus is far better than the angels.
Angels always served an important part in God’s universal plan. In the Old Testament, angels are depicted as divine messengers and servants, tasked with carrying out God’s will among humanity. They often appear at pivotal moments—delivering messages, guiding individuals, and executing judgment or protection.
Angels execute God’s deliverance, as when an angel led the Israelites through the wilderness (Ex. 23:20-23) or an angel shut the lions’ mouths for Daniel (Dan. 6:22). Through these accounts, angels are shown as powerful, obedient, and wholly devoted to God’s purposes—never acting on their own authority, but always as messengers and servants of the Most High.
These rich Old Testament narratives reveal why angels commanded such awe and respect in the Jewish imagination. Yet, as Hebrews emphasizes, even the most majestic of these heavenly beings pale in comparison to the Son.
In the New Testament, the angels are present at every major event in Jesus’ earthly life, from before His birth (Luke 2:8-14), to His wilderness experience (Matt. 4:1-11), in the garden ( Luke 22:42-44) to the empty tomb (Luke 24:4-7), to His final ascension (Acts 1:9-11: side note and clarification: even though the “angels” are not specifically named as “angels” and are referred to as “two men in radiant white clothing”, all evidence and studies point to them being “angels”) . So now the author of Hebrews is summarizing why angels were important, but they were not to be followed or were not worthy to be worshiped. The Jewish Christians were not to overestimate or esteem angels and their role, but rather keep their faith and focus on Jesus, because He is the Son of God.
We saw, a couple of weeks ago, that Jesus is superior to the prophets as God’s spokesman. This week, we will learn how Jesus is superior to the angels. We will attempt to see even though angels are a integral part of God’s eternal plan they still have a limited knowledge and role in personal salvation.
My prayer is we will assemble together this Sunday and worship and serve Jesus the Christ, because He is better than anything in this physical world and the spiritual world. May God open our eyes and hearts to receive His Word.
In Christ,
Steve