The Page Turns to Jesus

Hebrews 1:1-2 In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.
 
FOR several months we have examined some of the Bible’s epistles from the apostles Peter, John and Paul and from Jesus’ half-brother Jude. Now we come to Hebrews, an epistle with an unknown author. But the letter’s purpose is clear. The first 10 of the 13 chapters center on Christ’s supremacy. Our first reaction to this may be to say, “Of course! Jesus is Lord of Lords. He is King of Kings.” But the first-century Jews, who received this letter, needed convincing. Abraham and Moses ranked as their primary God-appointed leaders. How could this crucified rabbi from Nazareth be greater than the patriarch and the prophet?
   Thus, the writer does what we have seen from the other writers. He begins to connect Jesus to their history.
   With “our forefathers” the writer first indicates he is a Jew. He has a common understanding of a shared history with the reader. He reminds them God has granted them the most privileged story in the human narrative. The author wanted God’s chosen people to be fully aware there were, indeed, many ways the prophets spoke to the Jews’ forefathers, through the prophets. Those methods include direct revelation  (Genesis 17:9 Then God said to Abraham…), visions (Ezekiel), dreams (Joseph) and miracles (daily manna for 40 years). No other people group has this foundation to its existence. This is a magnificent heritage that must always be present on each Jew’s mind.
   But now that time is ended. God’s Son has come in the last days. This is the new testament or the new covenant Jesus established at the Last Supper: Luke 22:19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” This is the last days because it is the last era of human existence on earth. The new heaven and earth is next.  
   Jesus will rule over the new heaven and earth because he is the heir of all things. He is God’s Son, who spoke the world into existence.
   This is extremely difficult for the Jews to understand. They had learned from Moses in Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. The doctrine of the Trinity, God three persons in one, is still unacceptable to the Jews.
   But it is God’s revealed truth that all should know. That’s why the Hebrews’ author carefully turns the page of God’s story to the new covenant. Moving from the past into the present will  help the Jews know Jesus is the only Way and the only Truth to reveal God’s Life to the world.
   Are you a Christian? This is  your story, too. Because you are a child of Abraham, you share the same story. Every messenger of God’s Word since Jesus’ ascension has had the responsibility and the privilege to show God to the world through Jesus.  
   Is Jesus supreme in your life? In your church?