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, ⁴having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. —Hebrews 1:3-4
Our local church has a phrase to express what we believe about the preeminence of Jesus: “The main thing is to keep the Main One (Jesus) the main thing.” The word preeminent is from Colossians 1:18 and means “first in rank or influence” or “to be supreme.” Its context–Colossians 1:15-20–is a great companion text for this week because our passage also focuses on the supremacy of Christ, exalting Jesus as the “Main One.”
Hebrews 1:3-4 teaches priceless theological truths about the person and work of Christ that have implications for our lives. Consider three:
Jesus is God the Son
These verses are full of descriptions of Jesus, the second person of the Godhead. The Son is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature.” Jesus brightly reflects the majesty of God–He is His precise representation in every sense. The Son is the perfect image of the Father (Colossians 1:15). He is worthy of our worship and holding first place in our lives (Philippians 2:9-11).
Jesus is our Redeemer
As fully God and fully man, Jesus made complete purification for our sins through His life, death, and resurrection (I Corinthians 15:3-4). This is glorious and life-altering good news. Trusting in the finished work of Christ for the forgiveness of our sins means our newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17) and our ultimate victory over death. No mere human could accomplish this great salvation. No angel or any created being can compare to God’s Son who has inherited the most excellent name.
Jesus is the Reigning King
It’s often easy for me to remember the finished work of Christ but forget to trust in His ongoing work as He “upholds the universe by the word of his power” and sits “at the right hand of the majesty on high.” Last week we meditated on Jesus’ position as creator and heir of all things. As creator, heir, and ruler, He is all-powerful over every detail in every person’s life–mine and yours–every day. He reigns!
I am privileged to serve alongside David Michael at Truth78. More often than I care to admit, a project, issue, or circumstance overwhelms me and I begin to panic. David will often reply with a simple phrase like, “Jesus reigns” or “Jesus is on His throne. All is well.” This encouragement redirects my mind and heart toward the “Main One” and puts lesser things in proper perspective. Maybe you’re in the midst of confusing or overwhelming circumstances and need to be reminded that Jesus reigns. He finished His work to purify your sins, is seated at the right hand of God the Father, and even now is upholding the universe. He is worthy of His most excellent Name.Take comfort in His victory, rest in His rule, and worship His mighty Name.
For Reflection
Explain from Scripture what makes Christ preeminent, supreme, or the “Main One.”
What are some ways you can keep Jesus the central focus of your life?
How does the reality of Jesus “upholding the universe” and being “seated at the right hand of God” affect your perspective today?
Sherri Moran joined the Truth78 team after many years of homeschooling her children and serving on staff at her church. She loves the way the Holy Spirit brings memorized verses to mind to fight the good fight of faith. Sherri and her husband Ryan live in central Indiana and have one son and three daughters. They are members of College Park Church.