Christ’s Authority as Spokesman

Hebrews 1:5-14

People will go to great lengths to hear a famous or powerful person, despite a dislike for him and what he stands for. Most would listen to a Congressman or Senator. The crowd to see the President is unbelievable. The first Lady will definitely draw a crowd, which will hang on every word she says. Most people will listen to an official spokesperson, but if that spokesperson has official standing, their comments are considered much more binding and official.

The author points out that God has claimed Christ as his own son in both the old and new testament. He is the heir to the throne, and has far more authority than any of the angels. In addition, he has demonstrated his obedience and qualifications. As a result he has ben named as the king. His authority is far above that of any of the angels or other messengers.

“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 firstbegotten 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 sceptre 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.” (Hebrews 1:5-9)

Psalm 2:7 records David’s prophecy of God claiming Christ as his son. “I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.” Twice God spoke audibly from heaven, identifying Christ as his son. The first time is recorded in Matthew 3:16-17. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Mark 1:11 and Luke 3:22 also record this incident.

The second time is recorded only by Matthew, when Peter, James and John were on the mount of transfiguration, and is reported in Matthew 17:4-5. “Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.”

Both Peter and John describe themselves as having heard and experienced these things. Clearly, such an authoritative messenger as the King or the Heir Apparent should be heard even more carefully than some other spokesperson.

Beyond his being the Son of God, he is designated as the one who did the actual creating, and as the one who will dispose of creation when their usefulness expires. He will exist eternally, and is literally the one to whom all the angels and messengers answer.

“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; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; 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 1:10-14)

The Kingdom is to be officially turned over to him as King when the proper time comes and that is the only limitation on his authority at this time. His pronouncements have the full authority of the throne. He has been designated as the ultimate spokesman by God.