Jesus > Prophets

This is a transcript edited for reading purposes from a sermon preached at The Heights at Night, The Heights Baptist Church’s weekly Young Adult Ministry on Monday Nights.

Intro to Hebrews:

Normally, when you begin studying a book of the Bible, you ask the standard questions: Who wrote it? Why was it written? What’s the historical context? The problem is, with Hebrews, we don’t actually know who the author is. It doesn’t start like a typical letter. There's no "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus..." Instead, it launches right in, more like the opening crawl of Star Wars:

"Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets..."

The author has one main goal, to convince the readers that Jesus is greater.

The Structure of Hebrews

Throughout Hebrews, we’ll see a pattern. The author brings up a part of the Old Testament—be it the law, a prophet, or a priest—and then he shows us how Jesus surpasses it. Again and again, we’ll hear: “This was great… but Jesus is better.” And woven throughout the letter are six warning passages, each intended to shake us. These aren’t meant to be comfortable. They are meant to warn us that we must take Jesus seriously.

In tonight’s passage, we see the first contrast: Jesus is greater than the prophets. Hebrews 1:1–3 sets the tone for the entire book.

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2)

A Walk Through the Prophets

To understand this contrast, we’re going to take a walk through the prophets. Let’s begin with Moses.

Moses

Moses isn’t usually listed among the prophets, but he was God’s first great spokesperson. Though Aaron spoke for him, Moses was the one who received the Word of the Lord and delivered it to God’s people. He wrote the first five books of the Bible—the Torah. In Exodus 19:5–6, God says:

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples... and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”

This covenant, given through Moses, formed the heart of Israel’s identity. But Hebrews shows us that Jesus brings a better covenant. Because of the cross, we are now the holy people of God—Jew and Gentile—declaring the excellencies of Christ.

Major Prophets

Isaiah: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive…” (Isaiah 7:14) 

→ Fulfilled in Matthew 1—Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

Jeremiah: “I will make a new covenant…” (Jeremiah 31:31–34) 

→ Fulfilled in Christ’s death and resurrection—He writes His law on our hearts.

Ezekiel: “I will set up over them one shepherd…” (Ezekiel 34:23–24) 

→ Fulfilled in John 10—Jesus is the Good Shepherd.

Daniel: “One like a son of man… his kingdom shall not pass away…” (Daniel 7:13–14) 

→ Fulfilled in Jesus’ resurrection and ascension—His dominion is eternal.

Minor Prophets

Hosea: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Hosea 11:1) 

→ Fulfilled in Matthew 2—Jesus is the true Israel, called out of bondage to lead us out.

Joel: “I will pour out my Spirit…” (Joel 2:28–32) 

→ Fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2)—the Spirit poured out on all flesh.

Amos: “Let justice roll down like waters…” (Amos 5:24) 

→ Fulfilled in Christ, the embodiment of justice and righteousness.

Obadiah: “Saviors shall go up to Mount Zion…” (Obadiah 1:21) 

→ Fulfilled in Christ’s ascension, redeeming enemies like us into His kingdom.

Jonah: Three days in the fish (Jonah 1:17) 

→ A picture of Christ’s burial and resurrection.

Micah: “From Bethlehem… a ruler…” (Micah 5:2) 

→ Fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, the humble King.

Nahum: “Behold, the feet of him who brings good news…” (Nahum 1:15) 

→ Echoed in Romans 10—Jesus is the gospel in flesh.

Habakkuk: “The righteous shall live by faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4) 

→ Quoted in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews—this is the heartbeat of the gospel.

Zephaniah: “The Lord your God is in your midst…” (Zephaniah 3:17)

→ Jesus is Immanuel, present with His people.

Haggai: “The desire of all nations shall come…” (Haggai 2:7–9) 

→ Christ is our true treasure.

Zechariah: “Your king comes… on a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9) 

→ Fulfilled on Palm Sunday—Jesus enters humbly but reigns eternally.

Malachi: “My name will be great among the nations…” (Malachi 1:11) 

→ Fulfilled in Revelation—every tribe and tongue worshiping Jesus.

From Shadow to Substance

Hebrews 1:2–3 continues:

“…whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature…”

Jesus is not a reflection of God’s glory. He is the radiance. Just as light cannot be separated from the sun, Jesus cannot be separated from the Father. He is the visible image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). He’s not a shadow—He’s the substance.

“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Hebrews 1:3)

In the Old Testament, the priests stood daily—because their work was never finished. But Christ, after offering Himself once for all, sat down. His work is done. Your salvation is secure.

So What Does That Mean for Us?

If you’re a believer and you feel like you have to earn your way to God—stop. Christ’s work is finished. If you think your sin is greater than His sacrifice, you think too little of the cross.

And if you are not in Christ—no amount of religious activity can save you. You don’t need a better version of your old heart. You need a new one. And only Jesus can do that.

God has spoken—through dreams, visions, laws, and prophets. But now, He has spoken finally and fully in Jesus Christ. He is the Word made flesh, the final revelation, the fulfillment of it all. And He is seated—because the work is done.

Jesus is greater than the prophets. He is the radiance of God’s glory. He is the substance behind every Old Testament shadow. He is seated in majesty, and He calls us to trust in Him.