A Study of Hebrews 1:1–3
Introduction
Communication is essential in every relationship. A loving father speaks to his children. A king issues decrees to his people. A teacher instructs students. In the same way, God is not silent. From the beginning of history, He has been speaking to humanity.
The opening verses of Hebrews introduce us to one of the most glorious truths in Scripture: God has spoken, and His final and perfect message is found in Jesus Christ.
The book of Hebrews was written to encourage believers who were facing pressure and persecution. Many Jewish Christians were tempted to return to the old religious system. To strengthen their faith, the writer continually demonstrates that Jesus is superior—to prophets, angels, Moses, priests, sacrifices, and the entire Old Covenant.
The very first comparison is between the prophets of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ. While God once spoke through many prophets in many ways, He now speaks through His Son, who is God’s perfect spokesman.
Let’s explore why Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God.
God Spoke in the Past Through the Prophets
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets…” (Hebrews 1:1)
A God Who Speaks
One of the most comforting truths in the Bible is that God desires to communicate with His people.
The God of Scripture is not distant, silent, or uninterested in humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, He revealed His will, His character, and His promises.
From Genesis to Malachi, God continually spoke to His people.
God Used Many Prophets
God raised up faithful men such as Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel to deliver His messages.
The Apostle Peter explains how these prophets received their message:
“Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:21)
These men were not sharing personal opinions. They were speaking God’s words. Yet even the prophets did not always fully understand the significance of what they were announcing.
“Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating…” (1 Peter 1:10-11)
Like messengers carrying a sealed letter, they faithfully delivered God’s message even when they did not fully grasp its meaning.
God Spoke in Different Ways
God’s revelation came progressively.
He spoke through:
- Dreams (Joseph, Daniel)
- Visions (Isaiah, Ezekiel)
- Symbols and ceremonies
- Prophecies
- Miracles
- The Law given through Moses.
Imagine a puzzle being assembled piece by piece over centuries. Each prophet contributed another piece, but the complete picture was still not visible.
The Old Testament revelation was true and valuable, but it was incomplete. It pointed forward to Someone greater who was coming.
God Speaks Today Through His Son
“Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son.” (Hebrews 1:2)
What a dramatic contrast! God once spoke through prophets. Now He speaks through His Son. The prophets were servants. Jesus is the Son. The prophets carried God’s message. Jesus is God’s message. The prophets pointed toward Christ. Christ is the fulfillment of everything they proclaimed.
The Meaning of “These Last Days”
The phrase “these last days” refers to the era inaugurated by Jesus Christ. The prophets had predicted a future age when God’s Messiah would come.
“And it shall come to pass in the latter days…” (Isaiah 2:2)
Peter declared on the Day of Pentecost that these prophecies were being fulfilled.
“This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” (Acts 2:16)
We are living in the age of Christ—the final stage of God’s redemptive plan before His return.
God’s ultimate revelation has already arrived.Why Jesus Is God’s Perfect Spokesman
The writer of Hebrews gives seven remarkable descriptions of Jesus that prove He is uniquely qualified to reveal God.
1. Jesus Is the Heir of All Things
“Whom He has appointed heir of all things.” (Hebrews 1:2)
Everything belongs to Christ. The Father has entrusted all authority and ownership to His Son. Jesus Himself declared:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18)
Imagine a prince who inherits an entire kingdom. Jesus inherits far more than a kingdom—He inherits all creation. Every nation, every star, every angel, and every human being ultimately belongs to Him.
2. Jesus Is the Creator of the Universe
“Through whom also He made the worlds.” (Hebrews 1:2)
Jesus is not merely part of creation; He is its Creator.
John writes:
“All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:3)
Paul adds:
“For by Him all things were created.” (Colossians 1:16)
The One who walked the dusty roads of Galilee is the same One who spoke galaxies into existence. Think about that for a moment. The hands that touched lepers are the same hands that formed the mountains. The voice that calmed the storm is the same voice that created the oceans.
3. Jesus Is the Radiance of God’s Glory
“Who being the brightness of His glory…” (Hebrews 1:3)
The glory of God shines perfectly through Jesus. Just as sunlight reveals the brilliance of the sun, Jesus reveals the glory of the Father.
John testified:
“We beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father.” (John 1:14)
When we look at Jesus, we see God’s holiness, love, mercy, compassion, wisdom, and power on display.
4. Jesus Is the Exact Representation of God
“The express image of His person.” (Hebrews 1:3)
Jesus perfectly reveals God’s nature. He is not merely similar to God; He is the exact representation of God.
Paul wrote:
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” (Colossians 2:9)
This is why Jesus could tell Philip:
“He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
Many people ask, “What is God really like?” The answer is simple: Look at Jesus. Observe how He treated sinners. Watch how He responded to the broken. Notice His compassion, grace, truth, and holiness.
Jesus shows us exactly what God is like.
5. Jesus Sustains the Universe
“Upholding all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3)
Jesus not only created the universe; He continually sustains it. Scientists can explain many natural laws, but Scripture reveals who keeps those laws functioning.
“In Him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:17)
Every heartbeat, every sunrise, every orbiting planet continues because Christ sustains it. The universe is not running on autopilot. It is held together by the powerful word of Jesus Christ. If His word is powerful enough to sustain the cosmos, surely it is powerful enough to guide our lives.
6. Jesus Purified Us From Our Sins
“When He had by Himself purged our sins.” (Hebrews 1:3)
This may be the most beautiful statement in the passage. Humanity’s greatest problem is not political, economic, or social. Our greatest problem is sin. And Jesus dealt with it personally.
Notice the phrase “by Himself.”
No angel assisted Him. No prophet could help Him. No human effort could contribute. Jesus alone bore our sins on the cross.
“Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.” (Hebrews 9:28)
The Savior who speaks for God is also the Savior who died for us.
7. Jesus Reigns at God’s Right Hand
“Sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3)
After completing His work of redemption, Jesus ascended into heaven and took His place of honor and authority. His sitting down signifies that His sacrificial work is complete.
Today He reigns as King over all.
“Far above all principality and power and might and dominion.” (Ephesians 1:21)
The One who was crucified is now exalted. The One who wore a crown of thorns now wears the crown of glory. The One who was rejected by men now rules over kings and nations.
What Does This Mean for Us Today?
Hebrews begins with a powerful reminder:
God is still speaking. The question is not whether God has spoken. The question is whether we are listening.
At the Mount of Transfiguration, the Father declared:
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)
If Jesus is the Creator, the Heir, the Radiance of God’s glory, the exact representation of God, the Sustainer of the universe, our Redeemer, and our reigning King, then His words deserve our complete attention.
Many voices compete for our attention today—social media influencers, politicians, celebrities, philosophers, and cultural trends. But above every other voice stands Jesus Christ.
God’s perfect spokesman.
Conclusion
Hebrews opens with a breathtaking portrait of Jesus Christ.
God once spoke through prophets, but now He has spoken through His Son.
Jesus is:
- The Heir of all things
- The Creator of the universe
- The Radiance of God’s glory
- The Exact Image of God
- The Sustainer of all things
- Our Redeemer
- Our Reigning King
There is no greater messenger because there is no one greater than Jesus.
The Father has spoken through His beloved Son.
The only fitting response is to listen, believe, obey, and follow Him.
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)