Hebrews 2:1-4 — Best Messenger = Best Message

READ THIS: Hebrews 2:1-4

1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

Fun fact: In Jewish tradition, it was believed that an angel was a mediator between God and Moses when Moses received the Law (Exodus 24). This concept is said multiple times in the New Testament (Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19), so in verse 2 when it talks about a message spoken through angels, it is referring to the Law. The point is that angels were messengers who brought the Law, something that changed how the Israelites would live forever. But, if Jesus is better than the angels, then that means the message He brought should be better as well. The more important the message, the better you want your messenger to be. 

With the law, there was a punishment for not following it. With Jesus' message of freedom and salvation, we will be so much worse off for not accepting it than even those who did not accept the Law. God wants to ensure that people are aware of that, which is why He worked so many miracles not just through Jesus, but then through Jesus' disciples using the power of the Holy Spirit. 

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. How will people be worse off by not accepting Jesus' message? How is the "punishment" similar or different to the punishment of not following the Law?
 
2. If you had an important message to tell people, who would you trust to do it? Why? Why do you think Jesus was/is a good messenger?

TRY THIS:

Pay attention today to people when they talk, and see who you listen to the most. Compare that to how you listen to Jesus. 

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
This OLD SCHOOL VBS song is all about Jesus being greater than anyone and anything... check it out!

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