A Greater Name
Jesus is Greater: An Exposition of Hebrews

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Good morning church; it is good to see all of you here this morning! We’re starting a new series today. We’re going to be going verse by verse through the book of Hebrews. It has been our practice, over the past few years, to take on a book of The Old Testament. In the early Spring of this past year, we went through the book of Judges. In the Fall of the year, we’ve been doing a new Testament book; last Fall, we finished up the book of Romans. So, we’re beginning the book of Hebrews today. We’ll probably get up to about chapter five before the eight weeks have passed. Some passages we have to dig in a little deeper. It might take us a couple of years to finish Hebrews, but you’re here at the right time and at the right place. We’re beginning the book of Hebrews today.

A lot of you tell me that you love it when we go through books of the Bible like this. So we’ve entitled this series, “Jesus is Greater .” Our theme verse is this; it’s found in Hebrews 1:4 (NLT), “This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names.” He’s greater.

If you read this verse in the King James version. I think it says that He’s better. Some translations, like the one we’re using today, say He’s superior. He’s more excellent, or, as we might say, He’s “mo better.” He’s just better. He’s greater.

I want to pray and then we’ll dig in, “Lord, we pray for You speak to us today. We pray that You would help us to put Jesus as the center of our lives and that we put Him on the throne of our hearts. As we hear Your word today, Lord, let it soak deeply into our hearts and make our hearts receptive. Give us hearing ears and believing hearts to hear Your word, so that all of us in this room and all of us in my hearing , whether it’s in the next room or watching online may hear You. Lord speak to us now through Your word. In Jesus’ name, all of God’s people said, Amen.

“A greater name;” that’s what we’re talking about today. His name, indeed, is greater than any other name. That’s really the purpose of our message today. It’s really the purpose of the whole book, that Jesus is greater. He has the greatest name.

Why does a name even matter? As Shakespeare wrote, “What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell just as sweet.” Shakespeare writes that in his play, “Romeo and Juliet,” trying to diminish the value of names. They were concerned about their family names and wanted to get married.

Nothing could be more untrue; names matter throughout the Bible. Anytime there’s a name introduced, the author always explains why that name had meaning. According to the Jews, the names mean so much.

Rabbi Berel Wein says this, “For in our name lies our soul and self. That is why Jews always placed great emphasis on naming a child, for in that name there lay the history and past of the family and the hopes and blessings for the newborn’s success in life.” Names matter and names matter to God. The name of Jesus matters most of all.

Now we name things. We name not just people, but we name situations. I don’t know what name you’re facing today. Maybe you’re facing the name, divorce; it’s something that you’re going through or you’ve gone through. I want you to hear this–Jesus is greater than that name. He’s greater than divorce. He’s the reconciler.

Maybe you’ve heard the name, cancer. That’s the name you’ve heard that’s been spoken over you. Jesus is greater. He’s greater than that name. He’s the Great Physician.

Maybe you’ve been given the name, addiction. You’ve been told you’re an addict. You’re an alcoholic or some other type of addiction. Jesus is greater. He’s our freedom. He’s our victor and our strength.

Maybe you’ve heard the name, death. You’ve lost a loved one recently. Jesus is greater than death. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Maybe you’ve heard the name, loneliness. You’ve been saying that you’re lonely, that you’re discouraged. Jesus is greater. He’s greater than that name. He’s greater. He’s the one who says, ‘I’ll never leave you nor forsake you.’ He’s the constant friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Whatever name you’re facing today, put a line through it and write the name, “Jesus,” over the top of it. Jesus. His name is greater than any other thing or person that you’re concerned about today.

We’re beginning a new book, the book of Hebrews. The theme, clearly, is that Jesus is greater. He’s greater than the angels. He’s greater than Moses. He’s greater than the Tabernacle. He’s greater than the law.

These are all the points that the author of Hebrews wants to make. It’s a unique book of all the books in the New Testament; of all the 27 books. This book usually falls into the category of an Epistle, which means it’s a letter. However, it’s the only letter that doesn’t have a salutation at the beginning. It doesn’t have a ‘dear church at Philippi from the Apostle Paul.’ It doesn’t have a salutation at the beginning, but it does have a close. It has a benediction and a ‘we’re praying for you’ at the end, so it ends like a letter, but it begins uniquely.

It begins more like one of the gospels, especially the gospel of Luke or maybe the book of Acts. It’s unique and it doesn’t have an “autograph.” We don’t know for sure who the human author is of the book of Hebrews. This books are anonymously written. We’re not sure who wrote it.

There are many theories about who wrote Hebrews. The majority of the theories are that the Apostle Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, but there are minority views. Some say it was Barnabus; that maybe it was Barnabus Paul’s partner in missions or maybe Apollos or maybe Clement of Rome. These are all minority views. We’re not sure who wrote it.

I have an opinion. Would you be interested in my opinion? Not that it matters that much, but I have an opinion about this. I’m a student of Greek as many of you know. The thing that I find convincing is the Greek similarity between the book of Luke, the Book of Acts and the book of Hebrews. I’m of the viewpoint that it was written by Luke. For it contains astounding similarities in grammar, writing style and high classical Greek found in Luke’s other books: The Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Each of these three books opens with a four-verse prologue written in Classical Greek, in a higher Greek. They’re written more in classical Greek than common Greek Most of the New Testament is written in koinḗ Greek, which means “common or every day” Greek, which is easier to understand. Luke, Acts and Hebrews, especially the first four verses of each of them, which is called the prologue, are all in high classical Greek. I find that a convincing possibility that Luke is the author.

Who was the author writing to? It’s been ascribed to the Jewish people. Thus, it’s written to Hebrews and this has been something that the early church agreed on from the very beginning, which can be drawn out. It doesn’t address who they are, but the whole content is written to a people that would have understood the temple. They would have understood sacrifices. They would have understood the connection to the Old Testament, so clearly the author of this book was writing it to Jewish background believers. They were Jewish before they came to Christ and even more than that, because so many of the quotations in the book of Hebrews, the Old Testament quotations are clearly using the Greek Septuagint translation which was written about 200 years before Christ. It was where the Jews took the Hebrew scriptures and they translated into Greek, clearly using a lot of Greek translation in this book. It makes me think that these are Jewish background Christians who are immersed in Hellenism, which was the Greek culture.

I’m giving you this background. I won’t do this every week, but when we start a new book, I think it’s important to understand its historicity. We’re looking at the book of Hebrews and we see that the purpose of the author seems to be to help these Jewish background believers understand that Jesus is greater than the Old Testament. He’s greater than the temple. He’s greater than the law because He fulfills it all. The book of Hebrews also helps us to understand how to read the Old Testament through the lens of the person of Jesus, so it’s not just for the Jews; it’s for us, too. It’s important for us, too.

We’re unsure who the human author is, but we can be sure that the chief subject is Jesus and its chief author is Jesus, as well. Jesus is who wrote the book, regardless of the human that He chose to write it in this book. This book is written to Jewish background believers, probably from a Hellenistic background, to encourage them to see that Jesus is greater than any other person, greater than any other name.

I believe, as we look at the text today, we’ll be convinced by four reasons that Jesus is greater than whatever you’re facing today and whatever I’m facing today. Are you ready to dig in? We’ll take on this first chapter. “Lord help us, now, as we go through this first chapter of the book of Hebrews.”

Hebrews 1:1-14 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 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, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; 11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, 12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.” 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? This is God’s word. Amen.

We’re taking on the first fourteen verses now of the book of Hebrews and we’re talking about why the name of Jesus is greater. Here’s the first reason:

THE NAME OF JESUS IS GREATER…

1. Because Jesus is the ultimate Spoken Word of God.

The word, “ultimate,” in English, has the idea of being “the final thing,” “the last thing” in a series of things. It, also, has the idea of being the best achievable or imaginable of its kind. So to say something is “the ultimate” or someone is “the ultimate,” it’s the final, but it’s also the best. It’s the greatest. He’s the ultimate spoken word of God.

Let’s look at the text, verses one and two. The first four verses are like one long sentence. There are many verbs in English, but in the original, there’s one verb that drives it all. There are many participles, but just one verb and it is, “spoke.” It’s in verse one, “God spoke.” That’s the word that drives the whole first four verses. “God spoke.”

How did the Bible come into being? God spoke and man wrote. That’s how the Bible came into being. God spoke His word; He gave His word to certain people. Here, we see the author explaining that; he says, in verse 1, “Long ago,” That’s a great way to start a book, isn’t it? ‘Once upon a time, long ago in the beginning.’ That’s a great way to start a book.

Now, when he says, “Long ago,” He’s talking about the Old Testament. That’s what he’s talking about. 1 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets,” God spoke many times and there’s many time periods back here. In fact, the Bible was written over a period of 1400 years by over 40 human authors, yet, it is one book. It’s the most amazing book in human history. There’s never been another book like it. There’ll never be another book like it. God spoke over many time periods.

How did he speak? He spoke in many ways. He didn’t just speak in one way. He spoke in many ways. He spoke through dreams; He spoke through visions. Sometimes, he spoke in an audible voice.

There was a young man named Samuel that was asleep in the Tabernacle and God kept saying, “Samuel, Samuel.” He’d go wake his adopted father Eli and ask him, ‘Did you call?’ Eli would say to him, ‘No son, I didn’t call you.’ Finally, after three times, Eli says to Samuel, ‘I think it must be the Lord talking to you. The next time He calls, say, Here I am Lord, speak.’ Samuel does what he is told. He says, “Here I am Lord, speak,” and the Lord tells him a great prophecy. God spoke to him audibly. God has spoken in many ways and at many times.

Sometimes, He spoke by writing on a wall. His disembodied finger wrote on the wall of old King Belshazzar of Babylon, so that his face turned white and his knees began to knock together. It said, ‘I’ve weighed you in the balance and you’ve been found wanting and your kingdom will end this very day.’ God wrote this on the wall.

I believe He could probably speak through me, too, because He spoke through Balaam’s donkey. If He can speak through that donkey, He can speak through “this donkey.” God spoke long ago, at many times and in many ways.

Verse 2 says, “but in these last days…” We’ve turned the page now. Now, we’re in the New Testament; now in these last days. When did the last days begin? You hear people talk about it all of the time.

Do we live in the last days? Well, you can answer that very simply. Yes. We are living in the last days. When did they start? They started 2000 years ago; the clock started ticking, as soon as Jesus ascended to the Father. We are living in the last days. I think we are living in the “short rows” of the last days.

At this particular time, God spoke and people wrote in these last days, He gave His ultimate word by speaking through His son. Every word that Jesus spoke was the word of God. Jesus is the walking word of God. He’s the “word that walked.” He became man so that He could speak to us and give us the ultimate revelation of God. This is the claim that we see here. If you want to know God, you better know Jesus. He is the living word of God. This is the written word of God. He is the living word of God.

In John 1:1, 14 (ESV), it says, 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The word became flesh. Jesus is the word made flesh. He’s the “walking word of God.” Every word that came out of His mouth was the very word of God and not only was it every word, but every action and every character trait was God in the flesh, communicating His fullest revelation. There’s nothing else for us to find out; everything we need to find out is in Jesus. He’s the greatest. If you want to know God, you must know Jesus. He’s the fullest ultimate spoken word of God.

He says this of Himself in John 12:49-50 (NIV), 49 “For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” That’s Jesus. He’s the greatest. This speaks of His prophetic office. He is the greatest prophet of all.

Verse 1, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

This is where we get the New Testament; it’s from Him. Have you believed this? Do you believe He’s the last word on whatever you’re facing today and that He’s the spoken word that you can call out?

If you wake up in the middle of the night afraid and you feel like something’s oppressing you, you better open your mouth and say, ‘Get behind me in the name of Jesus!’ You can speak that name over the situation you’re facing today. He’s the greatest. He has the greatest name because He has the ultimate word from God. Here’s the second reason:

THE NAME OF JESUS IS GREATER…

2. Because Jesus is the one and only Son of God.

The word, “Son,” is in this text four times. We see it, first of all, in verse two, as we’ve noted . It’s seen twice in verse five and again in verse eight. He’s the Son of God.

When we speak of this, we do not speak of a created being. We do not speak of a son as I would speak of one of my two boys that came as a biological union between me and my wife. They are my sons by marriage and by biology, but Jesus is a son of God by the spirit. There never was a time when Christ was not. He’s eternal and He’s equal with God, the Father. When it says, the Son of God, it speaks of His divinity and of His Godhood. He’s the second member of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. So, when we say, Son of God, we’re not speaking of a biological result or a created being, we’re speaking of the fellowship He has within the Godhead.

The church in 325 ad wrote something that we call the Nicene Creed. The part about Jesus reads like this: “We believe in … one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the begotten of God the Father, the Only-begotten, that is of the substance of the Father. God of God, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten and not made; of the very same nature of the Father…”

That’s what we affirm – whatever God is, that’s what Jesus is. He’s the Son of God. He’s the word of God made flesh. I told you that these four verses, verses one through four, are just one long sentence.

The author takes a big breath and he gives us seven attributes, seven words or statements about the superiority of Jesus. Let me go through them with you quickly. They’re all in verses two and three:

Seven Statements for the Superiority of Jesus:

HEIR (2) “Appointed the heir of all things.” What Adam lost, the 2nd Adam has inherited.

CREATOR (2) “Whom also he created the world.” Christ is the agent of creation (John 1:2, Col. 1:16)

REVEALER (3) “Radiance of the glory of God,” “brightness from a source.”

DIVINE CHARACTER (3) Exact imprint of his nature.” “Same nature and character.” A word used in reference to an engraved character on a coin. Not counterfeit. Same.

SUSTAINER (3) “He upholds the universe by the word of his power.” “In Him all things hold together” (Col. 1:17). He is not an absentee Creator who wound up the clock and went away.

REDEEMER (3) “Making purification for sins.” OT sacrificial language describing the cross of Christ.

RULER (3) “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Christ’s current ascended position.

God is the heir of all things. Now, God, when He made Adam and Eve, He made them the “heir.” He says, ‘I’m going to put you in authority over what I’ve created. You name the plants and the animals; you go ahead and name everything. But then, they fail because of sin and they lose their authority. They lose their inheritance.

Then Paul says the “second Adam” came; His name is Jesus and He has inherited all things. He’s the heir of all things, everything that there is belongs to Him now. Then, the scripture goes on to tell us that we are co heirs with Christ. Jesus owns it all and as we come into the kingdom and become members of His body, we are co heirs with Jesus. He’s the heir. This is why He’s the greatest. He’s the heir.

Verse two says that He’s the creator. It says, “through whom also he created the world.” So, He’s the agent of creation. The Father created everything through the Son. This is what the scripture is teaching here. He’s the creator; He’s the creator over all things.

In John 1:2, as we read earlier, it says, in the beginning was the word and the word was with God. Then, it goes on in verse two. It says, “All things were made by him and nothing was made that was made without him.” He’s the creator over all things.

If you go back to the book of Genesis and look at it through the lens of the New Testament, you can see evidence of what is being revealed, even in the first chapter, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth and the earth was without form and void and the spirit hovered over the deep–” we see the Father of the Spirit. Then, the next verse says, “God said, let there be light–” that’s the word. So, we have the Father of the Spirit and the Word right there at the beginning.

Then, he goes on to verse 17. He says, “Let us make man in our image…” Who is God talking to? He’s talking to Himself. This is in the plural and we don’t have to go on. We don’t see it if we read it by itself, but if we read it through the lens of the New Testament, we read it through Jesus, we see that Jesus is the agent of creation. This is what Hebrews is clarifying for us.

Verse three says, “He’s the radiance of the glory of God.” He’s the Revealer. You can’t really look at the sun. If you look at the sun, you’ll go blind. We tend to look to the sun for its effect on things or we look at it with our peripheral vision. We see the rays of the sun. made him known.”

The Bible says in John 1:18 (ESV), “No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he hasmade him known. We can’t see God the Father, but when we read the Gospels and we study, we can see, through our mind, Jesus and that’s how He’s the revelation of God. He’s the radiance.

He is the divine character; He is the “exact imprint of God’s nature.” That’s Jesus. The Greek word there is “character;”it comes from a Greek word that meant “to take a die and make a coin so that every coin that you made would be identical to the original die.” Whatever God is, that’s what Jesus is. He’s not a counterfeit. He is God. He is very God. He’s the exact imprint of His nature. That’s what we’re learning right here. This is what the author of Hebrews is teaching us about Jesus and why He’s the greatest.

He is the sustainer. Verse 3 says, “He upholds the universe bythe word of His power.” He created the universe, but he’s also the sustainer of the universe. He’s the one that keeps it from flying apart. He’s the one that causes you to breathe your next breath; you have no control over whether or not you get to breathe it or not. He’s the sustainer; he’s the heir, the creator, the revealer, the divine character and the sustainer.

Then, in verse three, it says, “after making purification for our sins.” He’s the Redeemer. He died on the cross for our sins.

He is Ruler. Verse three says, “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Christ’s current ascended position.

These are the seven reasons for the superiority, for the greatness of Jesus – Heir, Creator, Revealer, Divine Character, Sustainer, Redeemer and Ruler. He’s superior in every way. You see that word, “superior,” in verse four, “having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” He says He’s greater than the angels . I have never struggled with that. I’ve known that, but apparently, 1st-century Jews were caught up in the study and veneration of angels and had even created a hierarchy of angels, giving them names not found in the Bible (only 3 are named Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer). The thing is, when I read the Bible, I can only find three angelic names, Michael, Gabriel and Lucifer. I can only find three; if you find another one. Let me know. Lucifer is the bad one. He’s the fallen angel whose name got changed to Satan, to the devil. The angel, Michael, was the archangel that came to Daniel in the book of Daniel. The angel Gabriel, in the Gospels, who was the messenger that went to Joseph, then Mary, to John, to Zechariah, the father of John, the Baptist to give them information. Those are the only names I can find, but you can find 100 names if you look them up. The 1st century Jews came up with this hierarchy. Apparently, during the first century, the author here is correcting this Jewish background mindset where they had started worshiping angels or they had started putting other beings in the place of God.

Jesus is greater than Moses. He’s greater than the law. He’s greater than the Tabernacle. He’s greater than the high priest. They were confused about what or who was greater and he’s working this out for them, but he starts with angels.

You might be sitting here thinking today, Well, I could check out, I guess, because I wasn’t trying to venerate angels, but maybe you’re venerating someone or something else. When you’re in trouble, instead of calling on Jesus, who do you call on? Do you call on your mom or dad? That’s fine. That’s good. You’re looking at me like I’m somebody I’m not. I’m just like you; I’m a sinner saved by grace. I’ll try to help you, but the only way I can help you is to point to the One who’s helping me. His name, that’s the name. Do you turn to Him, whatever you’re facing today, or do you put something else like angels in the place?

If you want to study angels, this is a good chapter, where he gives a good revelation about who angels are. The word is “angelos” in Greek, which means “messenger.” In fact, the word, “evangelism,” is where we get “evangelist” or “evangelism.” It means “good message.” They are messengers; they are servants.

In verse 14, it says, “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” They are ministers.

Verse seven says, of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” He makes angels. They’re created beings. . Jesus is not created. He’s God. He’s the Creator. Angels are created beings. Verse seven, “and his ministers a flame of fire.” They’re impressive.

Verse 14 says that they’re ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation. In other words, they’re supposed to minister to us who have received salvation.

Have you ever heard somebody say about someone who has passed away, “Well, he’s got his angel wings now. She’s got her angel wings now.” Well, that would be a demotion. Do you understand why? It’s because Christ is greater and when we receive Christ, we become part of the body of Christ and the angels minister to us. Angels are servants of Christ, they minister to us. We become like Christ.

It says in 1 John 3:2, “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” He’s making us like Christ. We become like Christ, so we become coheirs with Christ.

He’s speaking about His superiority over the angels. He’d given seven attributes of Jesus in those first four verses. He gives seven Old Testament scriptures to prove that He’s greater than the angels.

Psalm 2:7 (5) “You are my Son” – God never calls His angels sons. 2 Sam. 7:14 (5) “I will be to him a father and he shall be to me a son” – Nor Himself their Father. Deut. 32:43 (6) “Let all angels worship him” – Angels will worship Jesus, not vice versa. Psa. 104:4 (7) “He makes His angels winds and ministers” – Angels are created beings. Christ is not. Psa. 45:6-7 (8-9) “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever” – Christ is the eternal God and ruler. Psa. 102:25-27 (10-12) “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth” – Christ is Creator. He made angels. Psa. 110:1 (13) “Sit at my right hand” – Christ is ruler. Angels are servants.

He gives seven attributes, all beautifully written. He does something else for us here – He teaches us how to read the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus, because this book is about Jesus. Jesus is the main topic. Jesus is the main subject.

John 3:16 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The King James version reads, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son.” “Begotten” is a good translation. We often misunderstand it, though; we think it means “biologic.” We think ”begotten” means “to be born from,” but the Greek word for “only begotten” is “monogenēs.” “Mono” means one or single and “genēs” can mean “only born,” but it can also mean “unique” or “one of a kind.” “Begotten” is a great translation, but in modern English, we get confused about it.

Can I point out some modern heresies that are confused about “only begotten?” The Mormons believe that Jesus was the spirit child of heavenly father and heavenly mother. The son of God was the product of divine procreation. In fact, he’s the first born of many spirit children by these heavenly parents. One of his brothers is Lucifer who chose a bad route and Jesus chose a better one. I’m speaking of Mormonism right now; they don’t believe that Jesus is equal with God. They believe he’s the progeny of some sort of spiritual procreation.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses believed that Jesus is a created being, in fact, in the Old Testament, they say his name was Michael. They say that he was an angel; Michael, the angel. After he was born incarnate and became a man, he was elevated to divine status, but still created by Jehovah. In fact, their version of John 1: 1 that we’ve quoted before, “In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was God,” they add one word. They add one little bitty word, one letter –In the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word was a God. They add that one word because they’re saying he’s lesser than God. That’s in the Jehovah’s Witness Bible called the new world translation. They get it wrong.

The Muslims get it wrong. They say that he’s a great prophet. In fact, they believe in the virgin birth. The Koran has Jesus doing miracles. They believe in the virgin birth, but they deny the crucifixion and they deny that he’s the Son of God.

The agnostic today will say , “You know what? He was a good man. He was a good teacher,” but they don’t believe he’s the son of God. Anyone who denies that He’s God, that He’s the son of God, you can know that they carry the spirit of the antiChrist. They are a heretic; they’re teaching a heresy. Be aware of that.

Jesus is God. He’s the son of God. He’s the divine one. Do you believe this? This is the second reason he’s the greatest.

THE NAME OF JESUS IS GREATER…

3. Because Jesus is the only Savior of the world.

Jesus is the only Savior of the world. There’s no other way to be saved except by Jesus. We see it in verse three, “After making purification for sins…” He’s using language here that was familiar to the Jews, that He’s the one that became the sacrifice for our sins. He’s the one who purified us for our sins. This speaks of His priestly role. He’s the greatest prophet. He’s the greatest priest.

Verse 14 speaks of inheriting salvation. He’s the founder of our salvation and the angels are to minister us because of that.

It says in 1 John 1:14, “And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.” He’s the only Savior.

In Acts 4:12 (NIV) “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” That’s the only name given for salvation; it’s Jesus. We recognize that even His name means “God’s salvation.” His name is Jesus in the English language, but in Hebrew, it is “Yeshua” or “Joshua.” “Yeshua” is short for “Jehovah” or “Yahweh,” which is the Lord’s covenantal name. In Hebrew, it means “salvation” or “to be saved.” So, His name means “God saves.”

We see it being explained by the angel Gabriel, when he went to Joseph and told him what to name the child in the book of Matthew. Matthew 1:21 (NKJV) “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” His name means “God’s salvation.” Have you trusted Him as your Savior? He’s the only name by which men can be made right with God and to find forgiveness for sins.

THE NAME OF JESUS IS GREATER…

4. Because Jesus is the supreme Sovereign over all.

He’s the supreme sovereign overall. He’s the supreme sovereign. He’s the ultimate spoken word. He’s the one and only son of God. He’s the only Savior of the world and He is the supreme sovereign.

Look at verse three, it says, “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Jesus was appointed by the Father.

Verse eight says that He has a throne; He has a kingdom. This is all kingly language. He sits on the throne.

Verse nine is important to notice. In verse nine, it says, “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” He’s the anointed one of the Father; that’s the English word, but, if we looked at it in the Greek, it’s chriō, meaning “anointed,” “Christ.” It is the name, “Messiah” in Hebrew.

This is the Old Testament that we’re quoting; the book of Hebrews is quoted, saying that He is the Christ. He’s the Messiah. He’s the Anointed One.

Verse 13 says, 13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? The Father has anointed Him to sit at His right hand. Here again, we have kingly language in Jesus. The three roles are combined –prophet priest and king. He’s the greatest prophet. He’s the ultimate final word. He’s the , the great high priest. He’s the means of salvation and He’s the king. He’s the supreme sovereign.

We read in the book of Revelation, Revelation 17:14 (ESV) “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” He’s the king of kings.

I don’t know if you’re addicted to the news. A lot of people can’t get enough of the news. Who’s going to be the president? Who do we vote for? What’s gonna happen? We’re so worried about it. Let me tell you something. They’re not in charge anyway. It’s all temporary.

Jesus is the ruler. Jesus is the king. Jesus is the risen one. Jesus is the reigning one and he’s the returning one. He’s the king. Whoever is in the office, whoever is in the White House or whoever is in the Kremlin, wherever they are, Jesus is the one in charge. He’s the king over the kings; He’s the king over the presidents and the dictators. He’s the Lord of Lords and His name is higher than any other name.

Look at what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV) 5 “…Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father .” His name is the greatest. It’s the name above every name.

Are you someone today that has called on the name of the Lord Jesus? You can call on His name, any time and anywhere. He’s the greatest. You can write His name above and over top of anything you’re facing today.

From A to Z: He’s our Alpha, our Adonai, Advocate, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
He is the Babe of Bethlehem, the Bridegroom, the Bread of life, the Bright and Morning Star.
He is the Christ, the Creator, the Cornerstone, the Chosen One, the Chief Shepherd.
He is the Door, the Daystar, our Delight and our Deliverer.
Jesus is Emmanuel, the Exalted One, from Everlasting to Everlasting.
He is the First Fruits of the Resurrection, the Fountain of life, the Foundation of the church, the Friend of sinners.
He is our Guide, the Good Shepherd, the Great Physician.
He is our Hope, our Help, our Healer, our Great High Priest.
He is the great I Am, our Inheritance, the Immortal One.
He is our Joy, our Justifier.
He is the King of Kings, the King of Glory.
Jesus is the Lord, the Life, the Love, the Light of the world, the Living Water, the Lamb of God.
He is the Messiah, the Master, the Mediator, the Messenger, the Man of Sorrows.
He is the Nazarene, the New Wine, the New Covenant, the Name that is above every name.
He is the Omega, our Offering for sin, the Only begotten of the Father.
He is the Prophet, the Priest, our Passover, the Propitiation for our sin, the Prince of Peace.
He is the Quieter of the storms of life and our Quickening Spirit.
He is our Redeemer and the Rock of our salvation, the Rose of Sharon, the Resurrection and the Life.
He is the Savior, the Shepherd, the Suffering Servant, the Son of God.
He is the Truth, and our Teacher and our great Treasure
He is the Upholder of all things and the Unblemished Lamb of God.
He is the Vine, the Vicarious Sacrifice, the Victor over the grave.
He is the Way, the Word made flesh, the Wisdom of God, our Wonderful Counselor.
He is the Expected Messiah of the Old Testament and the Exalted Lord of the New Testament.
He is our Yokefellow and Yes and Amen.
Jesus is the Zeal of the Lord of Hosts and Zion’s Holy King.

He is Jesus and there’s no other name greater than the name of Jesus. He’s the ultimate spoken word. He’s the one and only Son. He’s the only Savior. He’s the supreme sovereign. His name is Jesus. We’re taught that we can call on His name. He says in the book of John, John 14:13 (ESV) “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

What are you facing today? What are you troubled by? What if you put it in its place? You need to scratch it out and write down the name of Jesus.

Song: “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus There’s just something about that name. Master, Savior, Jesus. Like the fragrance after the rain. Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away. But there’s something about that name.” .

He’s the greatest. Do you know Him? Do you trust Him?

Let’s pray, “Lord, I pray, first, for that person that’s here today. They’ve never given their life to you. Right where you are, right now, the Lord is speaking to you. He’s knocking on your heart’s door. Right where you are, invite Him to come in. Open the door of your life. Say, ‘Come in Jesus. I believe that You died on the cross for me. You’re my Redeemer. I believe that You were raised from the grave and that You live today. Come and live in me and forgive me of my sin. Make me a child of God. I want to follow you. I want You as my Lord and Savior. I give You my life. I will follow You for the rest of the days of my life.’” Put Him where He belongs. Put Him in the highest place in your life. You can do that right now and He will save you. Others are here today, and you’re a believer, you’ve given your life to Jesus, but you’re facing something and you forgot that Jesus is the greatest. What are you facing right now? Scratch it out and write the name of Jesus over it. Name it. Is it something that you’re battling? Is it your health? Is it a relationship? Is it your finances? Is it a job you need or is it a place to live? Scratch it out, that name that you put in a higher place. Scratch that name out and put His name there and say, “Jesus, You’re my provider. Jesus, You’re my Savior. Jesus, You’re my Reconciler. Jesus. You’re my healer. In Your name we pray, Jesus. Amen.