Who was Jesus? That is a question that is pondered in academia still today. In the modern world, some “scholars” will side step the plain teachings of Scripture to try to piece together a historical picture of who Jesus was. They have seminars where they speculate about him. They cast their votes as to the authenticity of his words presented in the Bible. In these votes, they have almost eliminated all of the words attributed to Jesus in the gospels. He was a good teacher seems to be the consensus outside of Christendom. Some people would go so far as to say Jesus never even existed, ignoring ample historical evidence outside of Scripture.
In beginning Hebrews 1, the unknown author gives us a description of Christ. In Hebrews, the author is showing the supremacy of faith in Jesus Christ over the Old Covenant. The readers of Hebrews at the outset are given an understanding of just who Jesus is.
First, we learn that God spoke to us through Jesus. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 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.” Hebrews1:1–2NIV In that statement we understand that as heir of everything, all that is, belongs to Jesus. As a result of our faith in Christ, Paul tells us that we are co-heirs with Christ so we share in the inheritance.
In verse 2, we also learn that the universe was made through Jesus. We have heard and many of us memorized John 1:1-3. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” John1:1–3NIV Hebrews 1:2 reinforces our understanding that Jesus is not just a good teacher, he is a co-creator with our Heavenly Father.
What does God look like? Does he look like Michelangelo’s commonly accepted presentation of the gray-bearded, old man upstairs? The Bible tells us God is invisible and God is Spirit. However, Hebrews tells us, “the Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” Hebrews1:3NIV If you want to know what God looks like, look at Jesus.
We also learn that everything in the universe holds together in Christ. “…[He, Jesus, is] sustaining all things by his powerful word…” Hebrews 1:3 NIV John Wesley said that Jesus holding the universe together is like a person holding up a rock. If he were to let it go, everything would undo into nothingness.
Who is Jesus? Jesus is God! Jesus was with God in the beginning and everything that is, was made through him and belongs to him. He holds it all together through his powerful word. He is the exact representation of God and the radiance of God’s glory. He is also our redeemer. When we were dead in our transgressions and sins, he bore them on the cross for us and ransomed us back to God. Hebrews tells us, “…after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews1:3NIV At the appointed time, the Heavenly Father is going to send Jesus back to get us and we will be with him where he is.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for creation made for and through you! Thank you for representing the Father to me! Thank you for atoning for my sins! Lord help me to live for you through your Holy Spirit. Amen!
Thinking About and Being a Child of God 