HEBREWS 1:5-2:18

LESSON 2

ON YOUR OWN: Study notes and observation sheet. Throughout Hebrews the writer continues to build the case that Jesus is better. This week as you read Hebrews 1:5-2:18, the case is made that Jesus is better than angels. This section (2:1-4) also includes the first of five warnings that will be presented in Hebrews. The warning is, “pay attention to what you heard so you don’t drift away.” This worksheet is for your personal study. Read the passage over several times this week, read the articles below, and make observations in the spaces below before your group meets. ANGELS: Immediately, as you begin to read this Hebrews 1:5, angels are presented as a comparison to the Son (Jesus Christ). Why the focus on angels? Did the Jews believe that angels were greater than or equal to Jesus? Angels are spiritual beings created by God and are under his authority (Colossians 1:16). They help carry out God’s work on earth by bringing God’s messages to people (Luke 1:26; Revelation 14:6–12), protecting God’s people (Daniel 6:22; Matthew 18:10), offering encouragement (Genesis 16:7ff.), giving guidance (Exodus 14:19), carrying out punishment (2 Samuel 24:16), patrolling the earth (Zechariah 1:9–14), and fighting the forces of evil (2 Kings 6:16–18; Revelation 20:1–2). Other popular Jewish teachings during New Testament times said that angels brought people’s requests to God and interceded for them. Because of all these beliefs about angels, the Jews highly honored angels.1 Satan is an angel. In Ezekiel 28:11-19 we find that Satan is a real being created by God and not eternal. He was given more power than all the other Heavenly beings. His job was to guard the Throne of God. He was made perfect, and God had given him the capability of choosing good (following God’s will) or evil (following his own will). In Isaiah 14:12-44 we find that Satan became filled with pride and tried to over throw God, becoming the first sinner. When he sinned, 1 &2

Bruce B. Barton et al., Hebrews, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997) 1

God declared him guilty, and there was no forgiveness available for his sin. When God cast Satan out of Heaven, one-third of the angels followed him. Unlike God who is omnipresent, Satan is not (Job 1:7) Satan is still under God’s authority and is permitted to retain his rule over the fallen angels. (1 Peter 5:8). 1. Take a moment and think about the activity of angels in Old Testament and even the announcement of Jesus’ birth. What beliefs might people in Old Testament times have about angels?

OLD TESTAMENT REFERENCES: Beginning in 1:5 and continuing through 1:13, the writer strings together seven quotations from the Old Testament: (1) Psalm 2:7, (2) 2 Samuel 7:14, (3) Deuteronomy 32:43 (v. 6), (4) Psalm 104:4 (v. 7), (5) Psalm 45:6–7 (vv. 8–9), (6) Psalm 102:25–27 (vv. 10–12), (7) Psalm 110:1 (v. 13). All but two are found in the hymnbook of the synagogue and early church. The first quote, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father,” comes from a coronation psalm, which was also quoted at Jesus’ baptism (Mark 1:11) and transfiguration (Mark 9:7), as well as in 2 Peter 1:17. The psalm was originally sung at the crowning of a new king (perhaps originally of David or Solomon). This psalm was used for centuries of Jewish history as a song of worship.2 DRIFTING AWAY: Notice the “Therefore” (2:1). A point is being made based upon what has been previously stated. The idea of “drifting away” compared the audience to a boat sailing past warning signs to meet destruction and ruin on a rocky shore or in a raging rapid. The Hebrews needed to do something. They were being influenced to return to Jewish customs which would pull them away for Jesus. “Pay attention to your plight,” said our writer, “lest you carelessly fall into ruin.”3

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Thomas D. Lea, Hebrews, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999)

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OBSERVATIONS: 2. Read through Hebrews 1:5- 2:18 and make observations. Compare Jesus, God’s Son, to angels. In the space below, list all the statements about the Son in the left column and list observations about angles in the right. (Jesus) God’s Son

Angels

HIGH PRIEST: In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people. The high priest’s job was to regularly offer animal sacrifices according to the law and to intercede with God for forgiveness for the people’s sins. The Jews understood this. He alone could enter the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle or temple on the yearly Day of Atonement to pray to God about the sins of the nation. But Jesus’ death and resurrection inaugurated a new covenant. Jesus’ death accomplished forgiveness once and for all for those who believe in him. Christ performed perfectly and completely the duties of a high priest.4 4

Bruce B. Barton et al., Hebrews, Life Application Bible Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997),

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3. What encourages you about this lesson? How is Jesus greater than angels? How has Jesus’ earthly life brought eternal value to ours? How do you respond to the warning about drifting away?

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HEBREWS 1:5-2:18

LESSON 2

GROUP FOCUS: John recently purchased a chair for his office. Not only did he receive a 50% discount he also took advantage of the additional $5.00 saved if purchased unassembled. Upon arriving at home he began unpacking the contents of the box and organizing all the parts. Glancing at the assembly instructions he followed along with the pictures until fully assembled. When testing it out, he discovered the seat was tilted forward so much that he would either slip out of the chair or it would roll out from under him. He had failed to read the instructions and fine print, and had assembled the seat of the chair backwards. Looking back to the instructions, in large bold print it read, PLEASE READ BEFORE ASSEMBLY. Today people have many opinions about how to get to God. “Let every person worship his own god,” someone will say. “Sincerity is all that matters,” someone else advises. “Keep the Ten Commandments,” a hard-working religious person might say. The truth is, God has spoken through the Bible and the Holy Spirit is our teacher, and the writer of Hebrews is challenging the readers – PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD! GROUP DISCUSSION: 1. In what class in school was it hardest to pay attention?

Read Hebrews 1:5-2:18 then discuss the following questions. 2. Hollywood has produced movies and TV shows about angels. What do people of our culture believe about angels?

What do we learn about angels in this passage? (See 1:14 and 2:9) 5

3. The writer of Hebrews compares angels to God’s Son, Jesus. What statements in this passage make the best case that Jesus is superior to angels?

Which statement about Jesus most encourages you?

4. A warning about drifting away is presented in 2:1-4. What temptation, influence, or habit should you be aware of because it has the potential to cause you to drift away?

How may have these young believers who first received this message have been tempted to drift away?

5. Jesus is God who became human. Compare Philippians 2:5-11 with Hebrews 2:5-11. What similarities and differences do you see?

In a simple statement, how would you summarize these passages?

6. Jesus is victorious over the devil. Compare Colossians 1:12-13 with Hebrews 2:14=15. What similarities and differences do you see?

How is Jesus’ victory over the devil helping you find victory in your daily life? 6

7. Jesus understands. Because Jesus became human and has lived on earth He understands pain, suffering, sacrifice, betrayal, rejection and sorrow. But He also demonstrated His love for us. From the summarizing statement in vs. 1718, what must you remember to keep you encouraged and not drift?

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