I have been studying Hebrews recently and have been focusing on the author’s presentation of Jesus as the pinnacle of all revelation. One of his arguments (which are actually God’s arguments!) is that Jesus is better than the angels. He writes in Hebrews 1:4 about Jesus “having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.” I’ve been compiling a list of the ways that Jesus is better than the angels in the first two chapters. This is not a definitive list by any means. Yes, this summary gives us reason to worship and give Him thanks this Christmas season. Jesus came to this earth for a reason. As you ponder who it is that came, and the necessity of His coming as described below, I hope you will worship Him with me this Christmas.

Jesus Superiority to Angels in Hebrews 1-2

Angels are not the heir of all things – Jesus is
Angels did not make the world – Jesus did
Angels are not upholding all things – but Jesus can and is
Angels are not radiance of God's glory, nor the exact representation of His nature – but Jesus is
Angels cannot make purification of sins – only Jesus can…and did
Angels are not seated as king at the right hand of the majesty on high – but Jesus is
Angels are not to be worshiped – instead, all the angels worship Jesus
Angels will not rule in the world to come – but Jesus will
Angels cannot die as a substitute for sinners – Only Jesus could
Angels cannot restore us to our original glory of ruling over the creation – only Jesus can
Angels cannot be the author of our salvation – only Jesus can be
Angels cannot sanctify us to God – only Jesus can
Angels cannot defeat death and Satan – only Jesus can
Angels cannot serve as High Priest – only Jesus can and did (and as we will see later, still does)
Angels cannot satisfy the wrath of God for sin – only Jesus can

Is it any wonder the author of Hebrews would write: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.” (Heb: 2:1)