Hebrews, Day 3: What Does Jesus Have That We Need? Hebrews 1:1-4 (Pt. 3 of 3)

What Does Jesus Have That We Need?
Hebrews 1:1-4 (Pt. 3 of 3)
Hebrews, Day 3

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Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. - Hebrews 1:1-4, ESV

I have to admit something: I have absolutely no interest in William and Kate or any of their children. Please don't hate me. I just don't care. I know the new royal baby is named Louis, which as a student of history I think is a really strange name for a member of the British royal family. But, honestly, I don't care. Why not? Am I some cruel, heartless man? No. It's just that they have absolutely nothing to do with me. They are who they are and I am who I am, and we have nothing whatsoever to do with each other.

Some people feel that way about Jesus. They think He might be a wonderful guy, but they don't see how anything He is has anything to do with them. Last time, we looked at five ways Jesus is supremely excellent. But what does His supreme excellence have to do with us? What does Jesus have in His surpassing greatness that we actually need? We can see at least three answers to this question in the opening of Hebrews:

1. As God's final word to the world, Jesus brings us God's truth in Himself. We all need truth, real truth. The world is full of lies and half-truths, marketing gimmicks and political spin. Where can we get straight truth? We get it from Jesus Himself. Jesus is the final and supreme prophet of God, the Word of God incarnate. He is the truth, and He is the truth given to us and for us.

2. Jesus has made purification for sins. This is part of what makes Him qualified to sit at the right hand of the Majesty and to be the heir of all things. But this is also what each of us most desperately need: real forgiveness, real cleansing. We don't need clever platitudes about how good and special we are. We don't need someone to pat us on our heads and tell us we're okay. We know we're not okay. We're guilty and filthy. We need purification for sins, and Jesus secured it for us by offering up Himself in our place on the cross.   

3. As the One at God's right hand, Jesus represents us before the Father. He sits on the highest seat of authority in the universe, for us. He represents us before the presence of Almighty God, His Father. He is our secure righteousness, our intercessor, and He rules over us as our King, if we trust in Him. As our King and our representative, Jesus is praying for us, guiding us, protecting us, and providing for us. 

It should encourage us to know how supreme Jesus is, and it should encourage us even more to know He is so supreme for us. What He accomplished to be exalted to the highest place He accomplished for us and for our salvation. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)