“…having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.  For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”?

Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

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 all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

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”?

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” – Hebrews 4:4-14

Angels are impressive and awe inspiring creatures. They aren’t like the cute and chubby knickknacks one buys for their curio-cabinet. Whenever an angel was present in Scripture the onlooker trembled and thought it was God.

Angels, although god-like, are created beings. Since they are created by God they are lesser than God, not equal. They were created to be God worshipers. They worship Jesus.

Jesus himself was not created. He has always been. Since he has always been, he has a greater name (v.4-5), honor (v.6), authority (v.7-9), tenured (v.10-12), and greater destiny (v.13-14). No angel can say he is greater than Jesus within any of those categories. Only Jesus.

As fascinating and mysterious as angels are, Jesus is far greater than they will ever be. Before Jesus all the angels bow and are in awe.

Questions for reflection:

• What do you know about angels? Why are people fascinated by angels? How are angels great and awe inspiring creatures?
• In what ways is Jesus greater than angels?
• How does this passage also help you understand that Jesus is greater than your agendas, plans, even you yourself?
• What awes you about Jesus?