May 5-9

Greater Name
“Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” – Hebrews 1:4 (ESV)

In 2011, a couple in Sweden tried to name their child “Brfxxccxxmnpcccclllmmnprxvclmnckssqlbb11116”— pronounced “Albin” (no, really). The Swedish government rejected it, calling it “clearly unfitting” (BBC News). Names matter. They carry meaning, reputation, and identity. In contrast to every strange or simple name on earth, Jesus has been given a name greater than all, especially greater than angels.

The author of Hebrews makes it clear: Jesus isn’t just different from angels—He’s superior to them. He has a greater name, and in the Bible, names are more than labels—they declare essence and authority. The name “Jesus” means “The Lord saves,” and Philippians 2:9 tells us that God has given Him the name above every name. Pastor Jim reminded us that angels may be mighty, but they bow to Jesus. His name is the key to salvation (Acts 4:12), the hope of our prayers, and the authority over every power in heaven and on earth.

Reflection Questions:

●Are you living as though the name of Jesus is truly above all other names in your life?

●How does the authority of Jesus give you confidence in prayer and worship?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, Your name is greater than every name in heaven and on earth. Help me honor it with my words, my worship, and my life. Amen.

Jesus Is God’s Son, Angels Are His Servants

“For to which of the angels did God ever say, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’? …Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve?” – Hebrews 1:5, 14 (ESV)

In 2015, a man in the UK called emergency services after his pet hamster bit him. When asked if it was a life-threatening injury, he said, “No, but he looked at me like he meant it.” (The Telegraph). Sometimes, we are confused about who really has authority. In the spiritual world, we do the same—overemphasizing angels while underestimating Jesus.

Hebrews sets the record straight. Angels are not the Son—they’re servants. Only Jesus is declared God’s “begotten Son,” which speaks to His unique divine relationship and authority. Angels serve at God’s command; Jesus reigns by divine right. Angels are impressive, yes—but they exist to serve Jesus and those who follow Him. We honor them, but we worship Him.

Reflection Questions:

●Have you been tempted to elevate spiritual experiences above Jesus?

●What does it mean for your daily life that Jesus—not angels—is God’s Son?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. Help me keep Jesus first in my thoughts, worship, and priorities. Amen.

Jesus Is the Master, Angels Are the Messengers

“Let all God's angels worship him…He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.” – Hebrews 1:6–7 (ESV)

In 1776, Paul Revere rode through the night shouting, “The British are coming!” His mission? Deliver the message, not take command of the army. We remember the messenger, but we salute the general. Angels are God’s messengers, but Jesus is the Master. Revere’s ride changed a moment in history; Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection changed eternity.

Hebrews quotes Psalm 104 to show angels as swift and glorious servants—like wind and fire. But in the next verse (v. 8), Scripture declares, “Your throne, O God, is forever.” The contrast is clear: Jesus is to be worshiped, while angels are the worshipers. Jesus is not just from heaven—He rules over heaven. Let’s be grateful for God's messengers but never confuse them with the Messiah.

Reflection Questions:

●Are you more excited about signs and wonders than about the Savior Himself?

●How can you shift your focus toward Jesus, the Master of all?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being worthy of all worship. I don’t want to be distracted by messengers—help me stay focused on the Master. Amen.

Jesus Is Sovereign, Angels Are His Subjects

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever…You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God…has anointed you…” – Hebrews 1:8–9, 13 (ESV)

In 2021, a man accidentally joined a Zoom meeting for a British Parliament committee while trying to attend a birdwatching event. When asked about policy, he said, “I was here for robins—not reports!” (BBC News). He didn’t belong at that table. Similarly, the angels don’t sit on thrones—they serve before One who does.

In these verses, the Father addresses the Son with divine language: “Your throne, O God.” This verse is one of the clearest affirmations of Jesus’ deity in all of Scripture. Jesus isn’t just like God—He is God, reigning eternally. Pastor Jim taught us that angels, for all their beauty and strength, are not sovereign. They stand in His presence, but only Jesus sits on the throne. And His throne is forever—never up for re-election, never at risk.

Reflection Questions:

●What in your life have you placed on the throne instead of Jesus?

●How can you honor Christ’s sovereignty in your home, work, or worship this week?

Suggested Prayer:
King Jesus, Your throne is forever. Reign in my heart and help me submit every part of my life to Your rule. Amen.

Jesus Is the Creator, Angels Are His Creation

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning…They will perish, but you remain…” – Hebrews 1:10, 12 (ESV)

In 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope launched into orbit and changed how we see the universe. Astronomers estimate the observable universe contains 2 trillion galaxies. That’s 2 trillion reasons to be in awe—but Hebrews says that all of it came from Jesus. He laid the foundation of the earth, and one day, even the heavens will “wear out like a garment” (v. 11). The stars are temporary. Jesus is eternal.

Hebrews 1 ends with this contrast: everything in creation—including angels—had a beginning and will have an end. But Jesus? He remains. He is unchanging in a changing world, eternal in a temporary one. Jesus isn’t part of Creation—He’s the One who spoke Creation into being (John 1:3). While everything else fades, Jesus never fails.

Reflection Questions:

●In what ways do you need to lean on Jesus as your unchanging foundation today?

●How can knowing Jesus is eternal help you trust Him in uncertain times?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, You are the same yesterday, today, and forever. When everything else changes, remind me that You remain. Amen.