How God Speaks Through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2)

A Few Thoughts to Consider

How did God used to speak, and how does he speak today?

Before continuing in Genesis and the rest of the First Testament, it might be good to pause and understand the differences between how God used to speak to his people and how he speaks to them today. This takes us to the Book of Hebrews.

Aside from the obvious hint in the book’s name, the numerous references to the Levitical priesthood and Jewish sacrifices and no address to Gentiles indicate this book was written to a community of Hebrews. Both believers and unbelievers would likely read the words of this letter.

As for the exact location of those receiving this letter, the recipients could have been in various places. This includes Palestine, Italy, Egypt, Asia Minor, and Greece. Also, it is apparent they were suffering (12:4–11) and may have been facing another round of persecution that would require them to give their lives (11:35–38).

Hebrews 1:1-2 says,

^1 “Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. ² In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him.”

The opening verse of this book reflects the miraculous reality of the existence of the Old Testament. Over the course of possibly 1,800 years (from Job to Nehemiah), 39 books were composed by dozens of different authors who wrote under the inspiration of God’s Holy Spirit. These writings included visions, parables, and symbols, written in both prose and poetry. And through them all, we see the consistent theme of God redeeming his people who fall into sin.

Initially, God spoke freely to the first man and woman, Adam and Eve. But when humanity sinned, connection with God was broken. Following that time, God would only speak specifically to different people like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses. As we’ll soon discover in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, God instituted a priesthood structure for his chosen people.

Up until the time of Jesus’ arrival, the High Priest of the Israelite people would enter behind a massive veil into what was called the Holy of Hollies. There, as is demonstrated with Zechariah, the uncle of Jesus, God would often send an angel to speak to the chosen person. This was extraordinary and was only experienced by a select few individuals in that day.

But when Jesus died on the cross, the veil of the temple was torn in two. This symbolized more than a physical tearing of a cloth. It was a bold declaration that even the most common of people could now enter into the presence of God and commune with him. Before, people had to go to the physical high priest to hear a message from God. But now, Jesus has become the perfect High Priest, and the most common of people can enter into his presence.