Tuesday 23 December 2025
Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. (vs 1-2)
Background
Although we leap many centuries from reading Proverbs yesterday to the epistle (letter) to the Hebrews today, the train of thought is consistent. These verses too begin by looking back to the ancient past, the days of the prophets, then invite us to turn our eyes instead to the theme we are following this week, ‘The Coming Light’.
Hebrews, attributed to St Paul, is rooted in the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament). It uses them to demonstrate that Christ is the fulfilment of these writings. There is a sense throughout that what has been foreshadowed in Jewish law and history now finds its substance in Jesus Christ.
Hebrews is a somewhat obscure text but there are plenty of excellent commentaries most of which suggest 70-100 AD as a probable date for when it was written. The text of the epistle is complex and fascinating, but, summarised very simply, can be seen as expressing the supremacy of Christ in all aspects of faith and theology. Throughout the passage the language is superlative, as the writer indicates that Jesus is the full and perfect representation of the important roles of both priest and king.
Firstly, Jesus is son of God. The verses reflect that where once God communicated with humanity chiefly through the prophets, now it is through a son. This son is also described as "heir of all things". Like Wisdom in Proverbs 8, the son was a key agent in creation; further, the son also sustains creation "by his powerful word". The language is rich, for example in verse 3, describing Jesus as "the reflection of God’s glory" and "the exact imprint of God’s very being".
The passage says Jesus' death achieved purification for our sins and emphasises the priestly nature of Jesus. Saying Jesus "sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high" alludes to Psalm 110:1 and to the kingly aspect of the nature of Jesus. Lest we are left in any doubt of the total supremacy of Christ, he is further described as "superior to the angels", an idea found also in several of Paul’s letters and he is identified as God's son, the name which is above all other names.
To Ponder:
- How do you interpret the idea that Christ "sustains all things by his powerful word"?
- Reflect today on the nature of Christ as priest and king. How does that affect how you relate to and pray to him?
- It's possible that the letter to the Hebrews was written (or preached) to counter false understandings of Christ. How might your celebration of Christmas this year reinforce the supremacy of Christ in today’s culture?
Prayer (from StF 181: 'Of the Father's love begotten')
"This is he whom seers in old time chanted of with one accord, whom the voices of the prophets promised in their faithful word; now he shines, the long-expected; let creation praise its Lord, evermore and evermore." Amen.
Bible notes author: Jill Baker
Jill Baker is a Local Preacher and tutor in the Methodist Church in Scotland, now living in Stirlingshire, surrounded by mountains and lochs.