Today’s selected reading is found in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews. More specifically today’s passage is found in the first two chapters of this New Testament book. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:1-4).

 

            “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a scripture of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands; they shall perish; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” (Hebrews 1:5-14).

 

            “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; how shall we scape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1-4).

 

            “For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. But one in a certain place testified, saying, What is man, that thou art mindful of him? Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all thigns in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted” (Hebrews 2:5-18).

 

            When you come to the epistle written unto the Hebrews you will find an epistle that seeks to do one thing and one thing alone—exalt Jesus of Nazareth. If you take the time to read the words which are found in this epistle you will find that from the beginning of the epistle in the first chapter unto the last chapter the author sought to exalt Jesus—and not only exalt Jesus but also exalt Him as both the Christ and the Son of the living God. In all reality I would dare say the words which are found within this epistle call and draw our attention to the declaration we are willing to make within our heart and spirit that Jesus is both Christ and the Son of the living God. What’s more is there is a great need for us to recognize and acknowledge that Jesus is more than simply Savior—despite the fact that He did indeed save us from our sins. If you take the time to read the words which are found in the New Testament—specifically the four gospels—you will find certain instances of those who made the emphatic declaration that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. What’s more is that if you read the words which are found in the tenth chapter of the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the saints which were at Rome you will find him emphatically writing concerning the confession, the profession and declaration we make within our hearts and lives. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and in all reality I am convinced that if we want to truly understand the words which are found here within this epistle we must needs acknowledge and understand these passages and how there were indeed those who acknowledged—and not only acknowledge but also confessed that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Before we begin within this epistle I am absolutely convinced we must needs consider the following words which are found in the New Testament gospels written by the apostle Matthew as well as the words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

 

            “When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, Who do men say that I, the Son of man am? So they said, Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Simon Peter answered and said, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered and said to him, Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Then He commanded His disciples that they should tell no one that He was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20).

 

            “Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, Who do men say that I am? So they answered, John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said to Him, You are the Christ. Then He strictly wanted them that they should tell no one about Him. And He began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Mark 8:27-33).

 

            “And it happened, as He was alone praying, that His disciples joined Him, and He asked them, saying, Who do the crowds say that I am? So they answered and said, John the Baptist, but some say Elijah; and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again. He said to them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered and said, The Christ of God. And he strictly warned and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day” (Luke 9:18-22).

 

            Within these passages of Scripture we encounter and come face to face with Jesus asking the disciples in Caesarea Philippi who men said that He the Son of man was. Initially the disciples declared that some said that He was John the Baptist, while others declared that He was Elijah, or Jeremiah or even one of the prophets. Upon hearing these words spoken by the disciples—the words which expressed the opinions and thoughts of others concerning Jesus of Nazareth—Jesus would then make it more personal for and unto them. Jesus would ask them who they themselves said that He the Son of man was—a question that strikes at the very heart of what they personally thought and believed concerning His idenity and who He was. It would be in response to this Simon called Peter would speak up and emphatically declare that Jesus was not only the Christ but also the Son of the living God. With this declaration Simon called Peter would declare, confess and proclaim that Jesus was both the Christ and Messiah who was to come but He was also the Son of the living God. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding that which Simon called Peter believed within his heart and soul. Simon called Peter believed that Jesus was indeed the Christ which was promised and prophesied in the Law and the prophets. Moreover Simon called Peter also believed that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God thus directly connecting His relationship to God as His eternal and Heavenly Father. We must needs recognize and understand this for it calls our attention to an event that would take place later during their time walking with and following the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

In the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John you will find Jesus having performed a great many signs, wonders and miracles in the region of Capernaum of Galilee. In addition to Jesus performing many signs, wonders and miracles He would also feed the five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. Immediately after the miracle of feeding the multitude and crowd Jesus would depart from that place and go to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. The crowd and multitude which had been fed from and with the five loaves of bread and the two fish would follow Jesus to the other side of the Sea where a powerful exchange would take place between Jesus and the Jews of Galilee which were present in that place. What we find within this passage of Scripture is that the Jews which were present in that place would begin grumbling, murmuring and complaining against Jesus because of the words which He had spoken unto them. Eventually and ultimately many of Jesus’ disciples would turn back and walk no more with Him. When He saw many of these disciples turning back and walking no more with Him He would turn to His own disciples and ask them if they too would go away. It would be in response to this Simon called Peter would once more make an emphatic declaration similar to the one he had made in Caesarea Philippi. It would be there at the Sea of Galilee Simon called Peter would once more declare that Jesus was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John:

 

“On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone—whoever, other boats came from Tiberius, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thinks—when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, Rabbi, when did you come here? Jesus answered them and said, Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on him. Then they said to Him, What shall we do, that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent. Therefore they said to Him, What sign will you perform then, that we may see it and believe you? What work will you do?: Our fathers ate manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Then they said to Him, Lord, give us this bread always. And Jesus aid to them, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent me. This is the will of the Father who sent me, that of all He has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, I have come down from heaven? Jesus therefore answered and said to them, Do not murmur among yourselves. NO one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, And they shall all be taught by God. Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the Mann in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is my flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world. The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, How can this man give us His flesh to eat? Then Jesus said to them, Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink, his blood, you have no l ice in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the Mann, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever. These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can understand it? When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives live; the flesh p refits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And he said, Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to me unless it has been granted to him by my Father. From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away? But Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life? Also we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil? He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray him, being one of the twelve” (John 6:22-71).

 

Please pay close attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for although Jesus didn’t ask the disciples who they personally said and believed that He the Son of man He would ask them another question. It’s important to recognize the incredible importance of the question Jesus asked His disciples and how pointed and powerful it truly was. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for within it we encounter the question Jesus asked His disciples whether or not they also wanted to go away. They had just witnessed many of the Jews being offended and murmuring and complaining concerning Jesus. They had just witnessed many of His disciples turning back and walking no more with Him and now they were met with the decision as to whether or not they too would follow those who turned back and walked no more with Jesus. Scripture does not seem to suggest the twelve were offended in the same manner as the Jews and the disciples were with the words which the Lord Jesus spoke unto them, however, Jesus would still ask them if they too would go away. After witnessing and observing many of the disciples who had previously walked with and followed Jesus and after witnessing many who had partaken of the loaves of bread and fish walking away from the Lord Jesus the question was presented to the twelve whether or not they too would turn back and walk no more with Him. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding Jesus asking His disciples whether or not they too would turn back and walk no more with Him. It would Simon called Peter who would speak up and ask Him to whom and where they would go for He alone had the words of eternal life. Moreover Simon called Peter would also declare that they had come to believe and know [are convinced] that He was the Christ and the Son of the living God.

 

With this in mind I am convinced we must also consider the words which are found in the opening chapter of this same New Testament gospel. If you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of this gospel you will find the account of John the Baptist. What’s more is you will not only find the account of John the Baptist but you will also find the account of John the Baptist making an incredible declaration concerning Jesus of Nazareth whom he had personally baptized in the Jordan River. It would be at the Jordan River where John the Baptist saw the heavens opened unto Jesus of Nazareth, saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Him in the bodily form of a dove and rest upon Him and would even hear the voice of the Father speak from heaven declaring this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. This is something which warrants strong consideration for prior to baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River John the Baptist spoke of one who was coming after him who was mightier than himself. John the Baptist would emphatically declare that there was One coming after him—the latchet of whose shoes he was not willing to unloose. This one coming after Him would indeed baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. What’s more is that when you read the words which were spoken by John the Baptist you will find that it was revealed unto him that upon Him whom he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon and remain—it was that one who would indeed baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. At the Jordan River John the Baptist encountered a tremendous revelation concerning Jesus of Nazareth and was convinced that He was indeed the Christ and the Son of the living God. Having said this I invite you to consider the following narratives concerning John the Baptist speaking of Christ prior to baptizing Him, the encounter there at the Jordan River after he had baptized Jesus as well as the declaration and confession(s) he would make after baptizing Jesus:

 

“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees conning to his baptism, he said to them, Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not think to say yo yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is inHis hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:7-12).

 

“John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. Then all the land of Judaea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will Baptist you with t he Holy Spirit” (Mark 1:4-8).

 

“…the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, Brood vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, We have Abraham as our father. For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? He answered and said to them, he who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise. Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, Teacher, what shall we do? And he said to them, Collect no more than what is appointed for you. Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, And what shall we do? So he said to them, Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages. Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in\ his hand, and he will thoroughly clean out his threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the char He will burn with unquenchable fire. And with many other exhortations he preached to the people” (Luke 3:3-18).

 

The underlying truth that is found within these passages of Scripture are centered upon the fact that John the Baptist declared there was one coming after him who would indeed baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. When John the Baptist was asked whether or not he was the Christ and whether or not he was the Messiah he would emphatically declare and proclaim that he was not the Christ or the Messiah. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding John the Baptist and how he recognized that he was not the Christ nor the Messiah. John the Baptist recognized that he was indeed the prophetic messenger and forerunner who was sent before the Messiah. John the Baptist recognized and understood that his mission and assignment was to point and draw all men unto Jesus the Christ. There is a great need for us to pay attention to this for in doing so we recognize that John the Baptist knew that his sole mission and assignment was not to draw attention to himself—despite the fact that he would preach righteousness and repentance. John the Baptist knew that his mission and assignment was not to draw men unto himself but was to point men unto that one who was coming after him. John the Baptist knew that he indeed baptized with water unto repentance for the remission of sins but there was one coming after him who was mightier than he who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This is important for when John the Baptist would indeed baptize Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River things would drastically change for him as he would know and would be convinced that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narratives written by the apostle Matthew, John Mark and the physician Luke beginning with the gospel written by Matthew:

 

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. And John tried to represent Him, saying, I need to be baptized by you, and are you coming to me? But Jesus answered and said to him, Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness. Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and, behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:13-17).

 

“It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And Immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:9-11).

 

“When all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized; and while He prayed, the heaven was opened. And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, You are my beloved Son; in you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:21-22).

 

When you read the words which are found in these three passages of Scripture you will find everything changing for John the Baptist. Prior to Jesus coming unto him at the Jordan River John the Baptist would profess and proclaim there was one coming after him who was mightier than he was who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. John the Baptist would baptize men and women in water unto repentance for the remission of sins knowing that there was one coming after him who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This is truly astonishing when you take the time to think about it for it would be at the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River a mighty and powerful revelation was received by John the Baptist. It would be there at the Jordan River John the Baptist would not only see the heavens opened before and unto Jesus of Nazareth but he would also see the Holy Spirit descending upon Him in the bodily form of a dove and abiding and resting upon Him. Not only this but John the Baptist would also hear the voice of the Father speak from heaven concerning the Son and emphatically declare that this was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. Moreover John the Baptist would also hear the voice of the Father speak from heaven and declare that He was well pleased with Him. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the revelation received by John the Baptist there at the Jordan River. It would be there at the Jordan River John the Baptist would indeed receive a mighty and powerful revelation concerning the Jesus of Nazareth and would understand that He was not only the Son of the living God but also that He was the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the revelation John the Baptist would receive that would serve as the very foundation for the words which we find in the first and third chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John.

I am convinced that before returning to the epistle written by the epistle written unto the Hebrews we must needs first turn our attention to the words which are found in the first and third chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. The words which were find here in these passages of Scripture bring us face to face with the words which John the Baptist would declare before and after he would baptize Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River. If you want to truly understand the words which are found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews there is a great need to consider the following words which are found in these two chapters within the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. Within these chapters we find the declaration(s), the confession(s) and the profession(s) of John the Baptist—not only concerning himself but also concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. It is with this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning with that which is found in the first and opening chapter:

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and his Own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me. And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. NO one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:1-18).

 

Consider the following words which are found in verses nineteen through twenty-eight of this same opening chapter of the New Testament gospel written by the apostle John as they describe John the Baptist’s witness to the priests and Levites:

 

“Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who are you? He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked Him, What then? Are you Elijah? He said, I am not. Are you the Prophet? And he answered, NO. Then they said to him, Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself? He said; I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness; make straight the way of the LORD, as the prophet Isaiah said. Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. And they asked him, saying, Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water, but there stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:19-28).

 

Now consider the following words which describes the witness of John the Baptist after baptizing Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River. This was the witness John the Baptist would receive AFTER baptizing Jesus in the waters of the Jordan River—after the heavens would be opened before and unto Him, after the Holy Spirit would descend upon Him and abide thereon and after the voice of the Father would declare that Jesus was His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. The words which we find here within this passage are incredibly powerful for what we find here is John the Baptist emphatically declaring and proclaiming that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed both the Christ and the Son of the living God. This is something we must recognize and acknowledge when considering the words which are found in the epistle written unto the Hebrews for it serves as one more who would emphatically declare, confess and proclaim that Jesus was both the Christ and the Son of the living God. Consider if you will the following words which are found in this passage of Scripture beginning with the twenty-ninth verse of the first chapter:

 

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for He was before me. I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water. And John bore witness, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God. Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, Behold the Lamb of God” (John 1:29-36).

 

Finally—before we turn and direct our attention back to the words which are found in the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews—there is a great need to consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It is within this passage of Scripture where we find certain of the Jews coming unto John the Baptist concerning Jesus baptizing more than he himself was. It would be John the Baptist’s response unto those who questioned his ministry and would even compare it to that of Jesus of Nazareth. The words which John the Baptist spoke and proclaimed unto those who would speak to him would indeed paint a powerful picture and serve as a wonderful reminded of the humility we are to have within our own hearts and lives within this generation. When we speak of the Lord Jesus and when we speak of His being exalted, glorified and magnified there is a great need to consider the words which John the Baptist spoke and declared unto those who came to him at this time for they help us to recognize the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. If we want to truly understand the supremacy of Christ above everything else that was made and everything that exists there is a great need to consider the words which John the Baptist declared unto those who would come unto him at this particular time. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the third chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John after the exchange which took place between Jesus and a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus:

 

“After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judaea, and there he remained with them and baptized. Now John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. For John had not yet been thrown into prison. Then there arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purification. And they came to John and said to him, Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him! John answered and said, A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent before Him. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease. He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthy and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony. He who has received His testimony has certified that God is tru.e For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:22-36).

 

There is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within these passages of Scripture for they help us understand and recognize the tremendous declarations which were made concerning Jesus of Nazareth. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it is for it brings us face to face with the truth that John the Baptist as well as Simon called Peter made wonderful and emphatic declarations and confessions concerning the Lord Jesus Christ. What makes the words found in the first and third chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John so incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it is the fact that John the Baptist lived his life acknowledging the supremacy of Jesus. John the Baptist—both before he baptized Jesus in the Jordan River and after he baptized him in the Jordan River—lived his life acknowledging there was one who was greater than himself. What makes John the Baptist so incredibly unique and powerful when you take the time to think about it is when you consider the fact that John the Baptist never sought to exalt and elevate himself above his station and his office within the kingdom of heaven. John the Baptist recognized and understood that he himself was ordained and appointed to exalt and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ. John the Baptist recognized and understood that he existed for no other reason than to draw and point men unto One who was greater than himself. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am absolutely convinced that we as the disciples of Christ and we as the saints of God must needs be those who recognize and understand that we have indeed and have in fact been called to be those who live our lives as John the Baptist did—exalting and glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ. We exist for one reason and one reason only and that is to exalt and glorify the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and this is at the very heart of our worship of both the Father and the Son.

 

I sit here today thinking about and considering the words which are found in the first and second chapters of the epistle written unto the Hebrews and I am brought face to face with the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you read the words which are found in this particular epistle you can and will encounter and come face to face with the absolutely wonderful reality of the supremacy of Christ and how much better He truly is. The entire epistle written unto the Hebrews was designed in such a way to demonstrate the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ and how vastly better and greater he truly was. The epistle written unto the Hebrews demonstrated that Jesus was greater and better than the angels, greater and better than the Tabernacle, greater and better than the sacrifices, greater and better than the altar, and greater and better than the pattern(s) which existed in the Old Testament. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for in order to truly acknowledge and understand that Jesus is greater and better than everything that has been created and everything that exists today we must needs understand that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God and that He existed with the Father before time began. When Jesus began announcing and proclaiming to His disciples that He was going to depart from this world He also declared unto them that He was going to return unto His Father which was in heaven. Jesus would declare and announce unto His disciples that He Himself was going to take up the glory which He had with the Father before time and before the world began. This is something warrants strong consideration for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonder, beauty and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Perhaps one of the greatest questions we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we as the saints of God and we as the disciples of Christ live our lives as though Jesus is indeed greater and better than anything in this life. I am reminded of the words of the song that simply and yet powerfully declares “Take the world but give me Jesus.” I am also reminded of the words in the song which invites us to “Turn our eyes upon Jesus,” to “Look full in His wonderful face” and how when we do “the things of the earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” OH there is a great need for us as the saints of God to truly ask ourselves if we are willing to have the world being taken from us that all we might be left with is the Lord Jesus Christ. Are we as the saints of God truly willing to acknowledge that Jesus Christ is vastly better and vastly greater than anything this world has to offer? Are we willing to truly lay down anything and everything that is present within this world that we might be those who live our lives surrounded by and surrendered to the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ? Tell me dear brother, tell me dear sister—when was the last time you truly spent time basking in the glory, the wonder, the beauty and the splendor of the Lord Jesus Christ? When was the last time you truly bathed in the glory, the wonder, the awe, the beauty, the splendor and the majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ? Have you ever take the time within your busy day or busy week to simply soak in the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ? When was the last time you simply took an hour to do nothing but surrender yourself to the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ? When was the last time you lived your life as though you were indeed and were in fact surrounded by and surrendered to the beauty and majesty of the Lord Jesus Christ? Oh there is a great need for us as the saints of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ to be those who can and will acknowledge that we have been called to live in light of the glory, the majesty and the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Before delving into the words which are found in the first and second chapters of the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews I am convinced we must turn our attention to the words which are found in the epistles and writings of the apostle Paul. I am absolutely convinced we must needs consider the words which are found in the tenth chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Rome, the words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the saints which were at Philippi as well as the words which are found in the first and second chapters of the epistle written unto the Colossians. The words we find here in these passages of Scripture call and draw our attention to the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ—and not only to the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ but also to the eternal and divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is I would dare say we must needs consider the words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John once more. If we are truly going to be those who surrender ourselves to Jesus the Christ acknowledging His beauty, His glory and His majesty there is a great need to recognize and understand that before Abraham was I AM. It was this declaration that angered and offended the religious Jews during those days for they could not believe nor understand how He who was not even forty years old could exist before Abraham. Oh there is a great need to understand the words and language surrounding the Lord Jesus Christy for if we are to truly live our lives surrendered to and surrounded by His beauty we must needs be those who understand that we have indeed and have in fact been called to recognize His eternal and divine nature. Having said this I invite you to consider the following passages which were previously referenced beginning with the words written by the apostle John in the first and opening chapter of his gospel narrative:

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehended it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. . He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them he gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word because flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me is preferred before me, for he was preferred before me. And of His fullness we all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him” (John 1:1-18).

 

“Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservants, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:1-11).

 

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.For Moses writes about the righteousness which is of the law, The man who does those things shall live by them. But the righteousness of faith speaks in this way, Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into heaven? (That is, to bring Christ down from above) Or, Who will descend into the abyss? (That is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? :The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture says, Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame. For there is no distinctions between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:1-12).

 

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the Fairhope from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence” (Colossians 1:9-18).

 

In returning to the New Testament epistle written unto the Hebrews we encounter from the start the supremacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you begin reading with and from the opening verses of the fifth chapter you will find the author writing how God at various times and in various ways spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets. Despite the fact that God had spoken in times past by the prophets He has spoken in these last days by His Son. What the author of this epistle goes on to write is that this Son was appointed heir of all things and through Him he made the worlds. Not only this but the author of this epistle goes on to write how this Jesus who is the Son of the living God was and is the brightness of the glory and the express image of His person who upholds all things by the word of His power when He had by Himself purged our sins. There is something we must needs recognize and understand when reading the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the supremacy and the divine nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. The author of this epistle emphatically declared that Jesus was and is the brightness of the glory of God and the express image of His person thus revealing the divine and eternal nature of the Lord Jesus Christ. What’s more is these words are in direct alignment and connection with that which Jesus Himself declared when He said that if anyone saw Him they saw the Father which was in heaven. Jesus made it very plain and clear to the disciples that anyone who saw Him saw the Father thus suggesting and revealing that He was indeed the image of the Father. Jesus declared that anyone who knew Him knew the Father and anyone who heard and listened to Him heard the voice and words of the Father. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for it calls and draws our attention to the absolutely wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and how He was the image of the invisible Father which was and is in heaven. Oh it was the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews who declared that Jesus—after He had purged our sins—sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high and became so much better than the angels as He had by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the first, fourth and fifth chapters of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ:

 

“I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am the Alpha and Omega,, the First and the Last, and, What you see, write in a blood and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea. Then I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lamp stands, and in the midst of the seven lamp stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and his countenance was like the sun shining in its strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the seven stars which saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lamp stands: the seven stars are the angels of the Sven churches, and the seven l amp stands which you saw are the seven churches” (Revelation 1:9-20).

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this. Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Around the the one were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crownedst of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings, thunderings and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature had a face like a man, the fourth living creature was like a flying eagle. The four living creatures, even having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying; You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:1-11).

 

“And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying: You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for you were slain, and have redeemed us to God by your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth. Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and blessing! And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever! Then the four living creatures said, Amen! And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 5:6-14).

 

As I bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the following words which are found in the second chapter of the epistle written unto the Hebrews. It is in the second chapter beginning with the fifth verse the author writes and describes the living God putting the world to come in subjection to the Son. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning the Son it’s that even though he is supreme and even though He is better He was made a little lower than the angels for the purpose of suffering and sacrifice. The eternal and only begotten Son of the living God took upon Himself the form of a servant, took upon Himself flesh and blood, took upon Himself the see of Abraham that He might suffer and offer a sacrifice for our sins. What’s more is the eternal and only begotten Son would do all this that we ourselves might become sons of the living God—sons born not of flesh and blood, nor of the will of man, nor of the desire of man but sons born of the divine will and power of the living God. The eternal and only begotten Son of the living God partook of flesh and blood and shared in the same that through death He might destroy Him who had the power of death which was the devil and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. Not only this but in all things Jesus had to be made like His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. He suffered and was tempted that he is able to aid us in the midst of our own suffering and temptation. The question we must needs ask ourselves is whether or not we are living our lives as though Jesus is supremely better and greater than everything in this world. Oh that we would be people who are truly willing to say with our whole hearts, “Take the world but give me Jesus” and that “the things of this world will grow strangely dim in the light of His fullness and grace.”