What is the difference between Jesus and angels?
- Thad DeBuhr
- Jul 31
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 3
Jesus: No Ordinary Messenger
Hebrews 1:4-14 Study Guide
Ever stop and think about who Jesus really is? We might know the Sunday School answers, but the book of Hebrews dives deep, showing us that Jesus isn't just a good teacher or a miracle worker. He's in a league of His own, especially when you stack Him up against even the most powerful spiritual beings – angels. Let's unpack Hebrews 1:4-14 and see why this truth matters for us today.
And don't miss the Rabbit trail about stringing pearls and catholic rosary beads!
Before moving on, pause and read through Hebrews 1:4-14 in a couple of different translations. Choose two from this selection: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THIS SECTION OF HEBREWS
Setting the Scene: Hebrews 1:4-14 Jesus is superior to angels in every way
Imagine you're part of a community that deeply respects tradition and revered figures, like angels, who were even believed to have delivered the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 33:2, Gal 3:19, Acts 7:53). Now, someone comes along saying Jesus is superior to them all. That's what the author of Hebrews was doing for his first-century Jewish Christian audience who were tempted to drift back to their old ways.
The author uses a method called midrash, a way of interpreting Scripture by linking different Old Testament passages to reveal a deeper truth. Think of it like "stringing pearls," where each verse (pearl) adds to the beauty and understanding of the whole necklace. The author masterfully connects seven Old Testament quotes to demonstrate Jesus's unmatched authority.
These weren't random picks. These were scriptures deeply familiar to his readers, verses that spoke of God's power, promises, and kingship. By applying these to Jesus, the author shows that Jesus isn't an afterthought; He's the climax of the entire Old Testament story. Craig S. Keener points out that the high regard for angels in their culture made this comparison particularly impactful. Jesus isn't just a better angel; He's a completely different kind of being. He's divine. He's God.
The use of exactly seven passages here is highly significant. In Jewish tradition and throughout the Bible, the number seven symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness. By using seven Old Testament scriptures, the author is making a complete and perfect case for Jesus's absolute supremacy, leaving no room for doubt. It is a subtle but powerful way of saying that Jesus is the culmination and fulfillment of all God's promises.
The Seven Pearls
The writer of Hebrews uses a chain of seven Old Testament scriptures to prove Jesus's superiority over angels. Here are those seven "pearls" and where they are referenced in this passage:
Psalm 2:7 (referenced in Hebrews 1:5)
2 Samuel 7:14 (referenced in Hebrews 1:5)
Deuteronomy 32:43 or Psalm 97:7 (referenced in Hebrews 1:6)
Psalm 104:4 (referenced in Hebrews 1:7)
Psalm 45:6-7 (referenced in Hebrews 1:8-9)
Psalm 102:25-27 (referenced in Hebrews 1:10-12)
Psalm 110:1 (referenced in Hebrews 1:13)
Journeying with the Text
This section of Hebrews is a powerful declaration: Jesus is the Son of God, enthroned forever. Angels are servants, like wind and fire, but Jesus is the one they are commanded to worship. God calls Jesus "God" and speaks of His eternal reign. While the heavens and earth will wear out, Jesus remains. And finally, God elevates Jesus to His right hand, a place of ultimate authority.
This isn't just theological trivia. It’s a foundational truth that shapes how we see Jesus and our relationship with Him.
Rabbit Trail 1: Understanding "Stringing Pearls"
When we talk about the author of Hebrews (and even Jesus himself) connecting different Old Testament verses, it's helpful to understand the ancient Jewish teaching method often referred to metaphorically as "stringing pearls." Lois Tverberg, in her insightful books like Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, sheds light on this practice.
Imagine a rabbi teaching his disciples. Instead of just explaining one passage in isolation, he might weave together seemingly disparate verses from across the Old Testament. Each verse, like a precious pearl, contributes to a larger, more comprehensive understanding of a particular concept or truth. The beauty of this method lies in the interconnectedness it reveals within Scripture. It assumes a deep familiarity with the entire Old Testament and invites listeners to see the subtle threads that run throughout God's Word.
Tverberg highlights that Jesus Himself frequently employed this technique. He would often allude to or quote snippets of well-known passages, trusting that His audience, deeply immersed in the scriptures, would recall the full context and grasp the deeper meaning He was conveying. This wasn't about pulling verses out of context, but rather about illuminating a present truth by drawing upon the rich tapestry of God's past words. Understanding this "stringing pearls" method helps us appreciate the depth and richness of the biblical authors' arguments and how they saw the entire Old Testament pointing towards Jesus.
Rabbit Trail 2: "Stringing Pearls" and the Rosary
A common question that arises when discussing "stringing pearls" is whether this ancient Jewish method of biblical interpretation has anything to do with the Catholic practice of praying the rosary. The short answer is they are completely unrelated.
"Stringing pearls" is a method of scriptural interpretation, a way of teaching and understanding the Bible's unified message.
The rosary, by contrast, is a form of devotional prayer.
From the perspective of mainline Christian scholars and theologians, the rosary presents some theological concerns that distinguish it sharply from the "stringing pearls" method:
Vain Repetition: The rosary involves the repetitive recitation of prayers like the "Hail Mary." Many Protestant scholars point to Jesus's warning in Matthew 6:7 against "vain repetition" in prayer, arguing that true prayer should be a heartfelt, spontaneous conversation with God, not a rote series of memorized phrases.
The Role of Mary: A central element of the rosary is asking Mary to "pray for us." While Protestants honor Mary as the mother of Jesus, most mainline theology holds that Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). Praying through Mary, therefore, is seen as an unbiblical practice that can detract from the direct access we have to the Father through Christ alone.
Lack of Biblical Mandate: There is no explicit command or example in the New Testament of Jesus's apostles or early Christians using a rosary or praying in this specific way. For many scholars, practices that are not rooted in direct biblical instruction are often viewed with caution.
In short, while "stringing pearls" helps us connect with the rich, unified story of the Bible, the rosary is a devotional practice that raises significant theological questions for many non-Catholic Christians. Keep an eye out for a future study guide devoted to answering the question, "The Origin of the Rosary: Is it Christian?"
Questions for you to chew on and discuss:
What are some things in our modern lives that might tempt us to give them a higher priority than Jesus, like the original audience might have with angels?
How does understanding that the Old Testament points to Jesus change the way you read those scriptures? Can you think of an Old Testament story that now looks different in light of Jesus's supremacy?
The author highlights that angels are "ministering spirits." What does this tell us about their role and how should it compare to the ultimate authority of Jesus?
Journey Group Discussion Starter:
Discuss how the absolute supremacy of Jesus, as presented in this passage, should practically impact our daily decisions and our approach to prayer and worship.
Applying the Principles TODAY
So, what does this mean for us today?
First, it calls for a deep reverence for Jesus. He’s not just a pal; He's the King of kings. We should approach Him with the honor and respect due to God Himself.
Second, it encourages us to see the Bible as one unified narrative with Jesus at the center. Every story, every law, every prophecy ultimately points to Him.
Finally, it’s a reminder to keep our priorities straight. Nothing in our lives should take the place of Jesus. He is the ultimate authority and the one worthy of our highest devotion.
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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE
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