The Superiority of Christ to the Angels as the Son of Man Hebrews 2:5-13

In chapter 1 of Hebrews, we saw that Christ is superior to Angels, for Christ is the Son and Angels were subjects; Christ is the Creator and Angels were creatures.  The author’s presentation in chapter1 that Jesus is better than the Angels has raised a very poignant question: “How can Jesus be better than the Angels when He assumed a human body?  Will the Angels be considered better than He because they have no human body to limit them?”  Thus, the author will show that (1) Christ is indeed superior to the Angels despite His humiliation as the Son of Man (Hebrews 2:5-9).

Jesus Christ assumed the position of King at His Father’s right hand after His resurrection from the dead (Hebrews 1:3-8).  However, His kingdom rule is not yet manifested (v. 13), but one day it will be when He comes to earth in great splendor.  Christ is superior to Angels because the habitable earth in the future (Millennium Kingdom) will be controlled by Christ, not the Angels (v. 5).

Having proven that Christ is superior to Angels because He will be in control during the Millennium, the author explains verses 6-8 by quoting from Psalms 8:4-6.  In Psalm 8:4-6 David expressed his gratitude and amazement at how God had honored mankind.  Amid all of the glories of God’s created order, it is not immediately apparent why He should place such importance on us and come to our aid with such manifest concern.  The words of David in Psalm 8:4-6 find their fullest meaning when applied to Jesus Christ.  God gave man glory and honor, as well as authority over the creation.  God delegated to man authority over “all things” (Hebrews 2:8).

Why then don’t we see everything in subjection to him?  The answer is that man lost dominion because of his sin.  It was Adam’s sin that brought the curse on creation.  Docile animals became ferocious.  The ground began to bring forth thorns and thistles.  Man’s control over nature was challenged and limited.  However, in verse 9, when the Son of Man returns to reign over the earth, man’s dominion will be completely restored.

Jesus as the Son of Man, will restore that which Adam lost.  So while we do not see everything under man’s control at the present time, we do see Jesus, and in Him we find the key to man’s eventual rule over the earth!  Jesus Christ made it possible for man’s future dominion through His incarnation; thus, He died and was exalted.

Secondly, the author of Hebrews will prove clearly that Christ’s humiliation as the Son of Man served a definite purpose (Hebrews 2:10-13).  Christ, as the last Adam, in His death and resurrection, undid all that Adam accomplished when he disobeyed God.  For a little while, Christ was lower than the Angels in His descent from heaven to Bethlehem, to Gethsemane, even to Calvary, and eventually to the tomb.  Christ had to assume a body of flesh in order to taste death for the sins of the world.  Men crowned Him with thorns on earth; yet now, He has been crowned with glory and honor (II Peter 1:17).

Beginning in verse 10, the author states that there is a new family in the world: Christ is bringing many sons into glory.  Adam, through his sin, plunged his family into sin and death; Christ now changes Adam’s children into children of God!  Christ is our Pioneer (Captain), who made possible our salvation!  Because of the salvation He accomplished for us, God is our Father, and Christ is not ashamed to call us His brethren.  We are all in the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ (vv. 11-13).

In summary, yes, Jesus as the Son of Man, assumed a human body and died, for the sins of mankind.  However, the gospel story tells us that He was buried, but arose triumphantly from the grave.  This same Jesus that experienced humiliation by dying on a cross of shame, has been exalted, for Philippians 2:9-11 says:  “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

May God Bless!