It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.” [Psalm 8:4-8, author David]. In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

Progressive dinners are a fun way to connect with people, see where and how they live, and, of course, have some good food. The progression typically looks something like this: An appetizer, salad, soup, a main dish with vegetables, fruit, and dessert. Typically, the sweetest part, the dessert, is left for last. In a spiritual sort of progression, Hebrews takes us down a journey through the mind and thoughts of God. In chapter 1, it tells us first that Jesus is greater than the prophets. Then it describes the many ways he is superior and greater than the angels.

All throughout time, people tend to gravitate to and, at times, worship people or beings rather than the one true God. This can be tempting, as it can seem like they are our “savior” or have done so much good in our world. But God says we are only to worship him and his Son, whom he is one with. The Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit, is also one with them to create the Trinity.

We progress here, in chapter two, to a sweeter part, related to mankind. Jesus was God, yet he was made a little lower than the angels for a while. This was so he could experience suffering in this broken world in order to save us from our sins and model for us how to communicate with God and live for him. Instead of demanding his rights due him as the Creator and Sustainer of all things, “rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬-‭8‬)

Because of this: “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭9‬-‭11‬). This is the model we are to follow. And once he was exalted, he became greater than the angels.

This progression continues to describe how, we too, will become greater than the angels, just like Jesus, when we choose to faithfully follow Jesus and trust and obey God for our life. They are more powerful now. But we will rise above them once we are crowned in glory, because we have shared in the sufferings of Christ.

Praise you Lord, for your great plan for me. I can’t even imagine what it will look like when you graduate me in your power to reign with you in heaven. It is such an incredibly awesome inheritance for us who believe. Praise you!