Teacher's Guide

Hebrews

The Glorious Jesus

Originally written for Jewish converts to Christianity, the book of Hebrews describes the many ways Jesus and the religion of Christianity fulfilled and surpassed the elements and practice of the Jewish faith.
Series
2 of 14

Jesus: Greater than the Angels

Part 1

In this section the Hebrew writer lists the many passages in the Old Testament that demonstrate Jesus' exalted position above the angels.

Teaching Strategy

The focus of this lesson is on the superiority of Jesus over angels. This is the first of two parts on this topic. Of special note in this lesson is why Jesus is superior to angels and why this idea needed to be addressed.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Know: Understand how Jesus is superior to all things in heaven and on earth.
  • Feel: Defend the superiority of Jesus.
  • Do: Submit to the lordship of Jesus by obedient faith.

Body of the Lesson

1.0 - Review of previous lesson
2.0 - Angels
3.0 - Comparing Jesus and angels
4.0 - Application

Discussion Questions

Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson.  There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts.  These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.

1. Review key points of Hebrews from lesson #1.
Who was Hebrews written to and why?

It was originally written to Jewish Christians. They were facing persecution and pressure to return to Judaism. The writer is encouraging the Christians to remain faithful by comparing the various elements of Judaism to the superiority of Jesus.

In what ways does Hebrews show the superiority of Jesus?
  • ­ Jesus has preeminence in history
  • ­ Jesus was divine in nature
  • ­ Jesus is superior in position
2. How are angels described in various scriptures?

Use the text to answer this question. The intent of this question is to show how angels act as God's messengers to men and carry out God's will among men, but are not divine by nature.

  • Their role
  • Their description
  • How they serve God
3. Why is there a tendency for some to worship angels?

Some see angels as divine beings since they serve in the presence of God. Angles are heavenly beings that exercise power from God. Their role is that of a servant and messenger and have no role or power of their own.

4. In what ways does Hebrews 4:4-14 show Jesus as superior to angels?
  • He has the superior name - that is title, character, essence (v4)
  • He is the Son - that is the King (v5)
  • God is His father in a unique way (v5b)
  • God commands angels to worship him. The lesser worship the greater (v6)
  • Despite their mighty nature and power, angels are still servants while the Son is God and King (v7-8)
  • The Son, not angels, made Earth and Heaven (v10)
  • The Son is eternal and will supersede the current Heavens and Earth (v11)
  • The Son, not angels, is exalted to God's right hand until all of His enemies are conquered (v13)
5. How can you use this lesson to grow spiritually and help others come into a relationship with Jesus?
  • Show how Jesus is superior to all.
  • Show how Jesus increases in our lives (in stature and presence) as we grow spiritually.
  • Show that our salvation is in Jesus, not angels or faithful followers (saints) that have gone on before us.
Series
2 of 14