Hebrews 1:4-14 | Over the Angels
Jesus Over Everything: Why the Son of God is Greater Than the Angels (Hebrews 1:3-14)
In a world saturated with competing messages—from urgent spam texts to endless social media posts—how do you determine which voice to trust? The ancient book of Hebrews presents a powerful case for listening to the one message that truly matters: the message of Jesus.
Based on the core message of Hebrews 1:3-14, this sermon titled "Over the Angels" lays out one foundational truth: Jesus is greater than the angels, and therefore, we must listen to what he has to say [08:53].
The author of Hebrews uses seven Old Testament quotations to demonstrate Christ’s undeniable superiority. If the Old Covenant, delivered by angels, was worthy of attention, how much more should we heed the New Covenant, delivered by the glorious Son of God?
Here are five ways the Bible shows that Jesus is supremely superior to the angels.
1. Jesus is Superior as the Son
The first, and most foundational, point of Christ’s superiority is his name and identity: he is the Son [10:40].
The Psalmist writes: “You are my son; today I have begotten you” (Psalm 2:7). This declaration of eternal sonship was never spoken of an angel. God relates to Jesus as a Father to His Son, setting Christ apart from all creation. While Jesus came in the humility of a servant, his resurrection and ascension fully revealed his identity, vindicating him as the reigning King of the universe [15:47].
2. Jesus is Worshiped, While the Angels Worship
Angels, as powerful, glorious, and intimidating beings, are often subjects of awe. The Apostle John, seeing an angel in a vision, was so overwhelmed he fell down to worship, only to be told: "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you... Worship God" (Revelation 19:10).
The angels know their place. They are the "JV team" compared to the "Varsity" [21:14]. The Father commands: "Let all God’s angels worship him" (Deuteronomy 32:43). Angels direct their worship to Jesus because in Him, we see the glory of a mighty King and a merciful Savior all in one. Worship is the only appropriate response to this King [19:25].
3. Jesus is Sovereign, While the Angels Serve
Angels are ministers, servants created by God to serve at His will: "He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire" (Psalm 104:4) [23:40].
In stark contrast, Jesus is the sovereign ruler. Scripture declares of the Son: "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom" (Psalm 45:6).
His reign is characterized by:
Endless Duration: His rule is forever and ever; He will never have a term limit [26:27].
Absolute Power: He is the one on the throne who calls the shots for all things [26:35].
Perfect Righteousness: He loves righteousness and hates wickedness, meaning He rules for the good of His people, not for self-gain [27:31].
His righteous rule offers a peace and stability that no earthly power or personal control ever could [30:44].
4. Jesus is Creator, While the Angels Were Created
The angels are magnificent, but they are part of creation. Jesus, however, is the Creator.
The sermon uses the analogy of an author and his character—J.R.R. Tolkien and Gandalf. Gandalf is powerful in Middle-earth, but he depends entirely on Tolkien's creative act for his existence.
Of Jesus, the Creator, the Bible says:
"And, 'You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain... They will be changed, but you are the same, and your years will have no end'” (Psalm 102:25-27) [31:45].
All created things—our achievements, reputation, money, or jobs—have an expiration date. They will all be "rolled up like a garment" [35:10]. We are called to live for the one whose years have no end, the one who created us to find our deepest satisfaction in Him [35:19].
5. Jesus is Seated, While the Angels are Sent
This is the most climactic point: Jesus is seated at the right hand of God.
"And to which of the angels has he ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'?" (Psalm 110:1) [37:14].
Jesus's position of sitting down symbolizes that His work is finished [39:18]. The author of the story entered His own creation, lived a life of perfect righteousness, died on the cross for our sins, and rose victoriously. Now, He is seated on the throne, with death, the devil, and sin—our greatest foes—defeated and under His feet like a footstool [40:17].
Angels, on the other hand, are sent. They are "ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation" (Hebrews 1:14). They are sent by the seated King to serve us and lead us to Him [42:15].
The King has won. His victory is beyond question. The only question for us is whether we will embrace Him as our King and Savior [41:04].
Conclusion: Listen to the Superior Messenger
The central message of the book of Hebrews is that Jesus is over everything. Because Jesus is the Superior Son, the Worshiped King, the Sovereign Ruler, the Eternal Creator, and the Victorious Lord, His message is the most credible message in the universe. Do not be fooled by lesser voices; listen to the King who laid down His life to give you eternal life and who is now seated on the throne on your behalf.
Watch the sermon that inspired this post: What do we believe about angels?