A LITTLE LOWER

by Kevin Rutherford

Jesus Christ is greater than the angels. He is greater than the angels because He is God’s only begotten Son (Hebrews 1:5; John 3:16). Jesus is superior to the angels because the angels worship Him (Hebrews 1:6). Jesus is higher than the angels because He is the one who now sits at the right hand of God’s throne (Hebrews 1:7-13).

However, there was a point in time at which Jesus Christ was made a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:9). This means that Jesus was made a man (Philippians 2:5-8). He was made a little lower than the angels so that He could die for mankind (Hebrews 2:9). Through his death for mankind Jesus made salvation possible for each of us (Hebrews 2:10). Those of us who have been sanctified by Him are now His brethren, and as such we need have no fear of death (Hebrews 2:11-14).

Deity humbled Himself to be made a little lower than the angels and to become a man (Philippians 2:5-11). The humility of Christ displayed in His sacrifice is an example to each of us (Philippians 2:5). Because this One who is greater than angels and men, became a little lower than the angels and lived as a man, surely we can humble ourselves enough to submit to Him. Surely we can humble ourselves enough to become a little lower than our fellow men in our way of thinking (Romans 12:10; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:1-4).