Hebrews 1:5-14 He is superior to the angels

Many people are fascinated with angels. They have been the subject of much artwork, several movies, and many books. But the author of Hebrews sums up the ministry of angels this way:

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. (Hebrews 1:14 NLT)

The job of angels is to minister to the saints. They are created beings who often delivered messages from God (Gabriel is an example). Jon Courson reminds us that they watch over and protect us:

For he will order his angels

    to protect you wherever you go. (Psalm 91:11)

They rejoice over sinners who have been saved:

In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (Luke 15:7)

They carry people to their eternal home:

“Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. . .” (Luke 16:22a)

They deliver people from danger (Lot’s family from Sodom and Gomorrah and Peter and Paul from prison).

Children have guardian angels:

“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 18:10)

So they are important created beings, but they ARE created beings. The author of Hebrews wants us to know that Christ is superior to them in all respects:

For God never said to any angel what he said to Jesus: 
“You are my Son.

    Today I have become your Father.”
God also said, 

“I will be his Father,

    and he will be my Son.” 

And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, 

“Let all of God’s angels worship him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6)

Only Jesus is called the Son. The remaining verses in the first chapter of Hebrews continue this theme of superiority. The author assures us that, while angels are called “servants,” the Father calls the Son “Lord” (vs. 10) and affirms the Son’s role as Creator. (vs.10-12) Finally, the author ends the chapter by referring back to the seat of honor Jesus occupies at the right hand of the Father:

And God never said to any of the angels, 
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand

    until I humble your enemies,

    making them a footstool under your feet.” 

Therefore, angels are only servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation. (Hebrews 13-14)

Jesus is not just a good teacher or rabbi, or even prophet. Jesus, our LORD and Creator, is superior to all - even angels. In the next chapter, we will see how Jesus has made us children of God.