The Last Is the Best
Jesus Christ is God's final Word to humanity, meeting every human need and offering salvation and eternal life to all people.
Selwyn Hughes emphasizes that God's final Word to the world is in His Son, Jesus Christ, who surpasses all prophets and sages. As Christians, we believe that Jesus meets every human need and has the power to relieve guilt, forgive sin, conquer death, and offer eternal life. Christ's invitation is universal, extending to all humanity without discrimination of race, class, or creed. He is unparalleled in His Person, mission, and completed work, offering salvation to all who believe in Him.
Text
... he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things ..." (v. 2)
For reading & meditation:
Hebrews 1:1-14
The words of our text today point out that though God spoke in times past through prophets and sages (referring to the religion of Judaism), His final Word to this world is in His Son. That is our claim as Christians. Not that the Jewish religion contains nothing of value. God forbid! But it is not God's last Word to the men and women of His creation. No other world faith claims that its great teacher was God incarnate. Yet we claim for Christ just that - and also that as God He meets every human need. He comes to us where we are and He does the work. He can relieve any plight of the human soul, and He has the power to meet every human need. Every spiritually sensitive person is aware of the presence of guilt which arises from indwelling sin, and is aware too that he or she alone can do nothing to dissolve it. Christ atoned for sin and is able to forgive it. Every normal person also stands in awe of death, knowing it is impossible to escape it. But Christ has conquered death and has opened the way to eternal life. Christ's call is to all humanity. He does not differentiate between groups of people or races. He abides no barriers of class or creed. "Whosoever will may come" is His constant message. Devotees of other faiths regard Christians as intolerant when they cannot concede even by implication that there are any "gods" or prophets equal to Him. He is unique in His Person, His mission and in His finished work.
O God, how can I express my gratitude that I have found the best, or rather that the Best has found me? May I lay hold of all that is in Jesus and reflect Him to the world, not in arrogance but in humility. Amen.
Sermon Outline
- God's Final Word to Humanity
- Through the Son, not prophets and sages
- The Son meets every human need
Key Quotes
“He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things” — Selwyn Hughes
“Whosoever will may come is His constant message” — Selwyn Hughes
“He is unique in His Person, His mission and in His finished work” — Selwyn Hughes
Application Points
- Recognize Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's character and purpose.
- Acknowledge Jesus' power to forgive sin and provide eternal life.
- Respond to Jesus' inclusive call to come to Him, regardless of background or creed.