Today’s reading: Gen 40:1–41:37, Heb 1:1–2:18, Eccles 9:11–18

Today’s theme: Jesus, greater than Angels

Some cults, like the Watchtower Society (Jehovah Witness), claim that Jesus is merely a great angel, this is heresy because Hebrews chapter one, in line with the rest of God’s word, makes clear that Jesus is above all angels, greater than them and created them. He is very God of very God(1), the Son of God, the second member of the Trinity. The ministry of angels are important, they follow the commands of Jesus who is the Lord of Heaven’s armies.

Genesis 40:1–41:37

Interpretation comes from God

They said to him, “We have had dreams, and there is no one to interpret them.” And Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Please tell them to me.” Genesis 40:8 (ESV)

There is no book or rule regarding the interpretation of dreams. Joseph knew interpretation comes from God alone.

Sovereign over nature

And the doubling of Pharaoh’s dream means that the thing is fixed by God, and God will shortly bring it about. Now therefore let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:32–33 (ESV)

God is Sovereign over the elements and can use them to steer nations and people to His purpose.

Hebrews 1:1–2:18

Jesus, greater than Angels

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? Hebrews 1:14 (ESV)

This chapter makes clear that Jesus is not an angel and is greater than the angels. It also tells us what angels really are.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

CARM on Jehovah Witnesses

Jesus Christ: Infinitely Superior to Angels

(1) Where I mention very God of very God, I am quoting a famous line from the Nicene Creed which you can read in it’s entity below:

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds; God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God; begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made.

Who, for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven and was Incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary, and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate; He suffered and was buried; and the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again, with glory, to judge the living and the dead; whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life; who proceedeth from the Father and the Son; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spake by the prophets.

And I believe one holy catholic (or universal) and apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; and I look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come.

Hyde, D. R. (2010). Welcome to a Reformed Church: A Guide for Pilgrims (pp. 5–6)