Jesus is the Beam of God's Glory!

Hebrews 1:1-4 God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The book of Hebrews was originally thought to be written by the apostle Paul, but now most scholars sincerely doubt he was the author.  The writing is the most sophisticated and stylized Greek in the New Testament.  Paul's writing style was down to earth and uses more of the language of the common man.  It is clear in the first chapter that the author is writing to Jewish Christians, as the Old Testament is quoted many times.  And also the writer says that God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets and many other ways.  This reflects the Old Testament story of God's relationship with Israel, and how he spoke in different ways, principally through the prophets.  

The Jewish believers were being persecuted and there was pressure for them to return to Judaism.  The primary purpose of the book was to show that Jesus was the exact representation of God.  He was more than prophet.  The author makes these claims about the nature of Jesus. (adapted from Guzik's commentary, Enduring Word)

1. Heir of all things.  This shows He is the firstborn of all Creation. 

2. He made the worlds.  This is not just the material world. The Greek word for "worlds" is where we get the word "eons". In this sense Jesus made history itself.

3. He is the radiance of God's glory.  Jesus is the beam of God's glory.  Even though we have not seen God, we see him through the rays of Jesus.

4. He is the exact representation of God's being.  When we see Jesus we see God.  This is the word used for "stamp".  A stamp with ink applied always reveals its creator

5. He sustains all things by his power. This is a statement of Jesus' divinity.  Though Jesus is a man, he is all powerful.  There is nothing he can't control. If there was something more powerful than him, he wouldn't be God.  

6. He purifies our sin. Only Jesus had the power to offer forgiveness for our sins, again showing His divinity.

7. He sits at the right hand of the Father. This wording is used in the ancient Creeds of the church.  This shows that this is not just creedal but also biblical.  

Though this book was written to the Hebrew Christian in the 1st century, it is applicable for today. Why?  Because the Christian faith is based on all these claims.  People today still think Jesus was just a prophet.  Teaching Jesus' divine nature is always at the core of good doctrine.  Doctrine matters because it keeps us focused on the work of Jesus not our work.