Hebrews 1: Group Study Handout

Overview

God spoke to the fathers through the prophets 'at many times and in various ways'. Now he has spoken by his Son, heir of all things, through whom he made the worlds (vv. 1-2). The Son is the radiance of his glory and 'the very image of his substance'. He has purified sins and sat down at the right hand of the Majesty, with a name more excellent than the angels have (vv. 3-4). To no angel did God say 'You are my Son', and the angels are told to worship the firstborn (vv. 5-6).

Key verse

“His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, who, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;”

Hebrews 1:3 (WEB)

Outline

1. Hebrews 1:1–2 God's Past and Present Revelation
2. Hebrews 1:3–4 Nature and Authority of the Son
3. Hebrews 1:5–6 The Son's Unique Sonship
4. Hebrews 1:7–9 Angels as Servants
5. Hebrews 1:10–12 The Eternity of the Son
6. Hebrews 1:13–14 The Son's Authority Over Enemies

Discussion questions

1. In v2, how does the text describe the way God speaks to us today?
2. What does v4 say about Jesus in relation to the angels?
3. The reference to 'firstborn' in v6: what does this imply about Jesus' status?
4. In v13, why is the command to 'sit at my right hand' significant for understanding Jesus' authority?
5. When have you felt a need for assurance of Jesus' 'radiance' in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Hebrews 1: John 1, Colossians 1, Genesis 1.

Before next time: read Hebrews 2.