The Seven Attributes of Jesus (Christology 1)

BIG IDEA: Jesus Christ is not just a chapter in the story of God; He is the Author, the Hero, and the Ending. When we see Jesus for who He truly is, every other priority in our lives finds its proper place.

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Why Hebrews Matters

Today we begin a nine-week journey through the book of Hebrews—a letter written to magnify the greatness of Jesus Christ.

Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians living under Roman rule who were facing intense pressure and persecution. Many were tempted to abandon faith in Jesus and return to the familiarity and safety of traditional Judaism.

The author writes with one clear purpose: to show that Jesus Christ is greater than anything that came before Him. Going back to the Old Covenant wouldn’t bring security—it would mean turning away from the fulfillment of God’s promises.

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God Has Spoken—Finally and Fully

Hebrews opens with a powerful contrast:

Hebrews 1:1–2 (NLT)
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son.”

In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself in fragments—through dreams, visions, prophets, and symbols. But in Jesus, God did something different. He didn’t send another message.

He sent the Message.

Everything that follows in Hebrews flows from this truth.

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A Masterpiece Introduction

Hebrews 1:1–4 is one long, carefully crafted sentence in the original Greek. Scholars call this section the exordium—an introduction designed to grab attention through beauty, balance, and weight.

The literary brilliance serves the theology: Jesus is the superior, final, and perfect revelation of God.

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The Big Seven: A Full Portrait of Jesus

In Hebrews 1:2–3, the author gives us seven rapid-fire descriptions of Jesus. In Scripture, the number seven represents completeness and perfection. Together, these attributes form a full portrait of who Jesus is.

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1. Jesus Is the Heir

The Goal of History

“God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance.” (v. 2)

History isn’t random—it’s moving toward the reign of Christ. Everything ultimately belongs to Him. He is not only the Savior of the world; He is the purpose of creation.

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2. Jesus Is the Creator

The Architect of Reality

“Through the Son he created the universe.” (v. 2)

Jesus didn’t watch creation happen—He spoke it into existence. He is not a created being. He is the Source of everything that exists.

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3. Jesus Is the Radiance

The Visible Glory of God

“The Son radiates God’s own glory.” (v. 3)

Jesus doesn’t merely reflect God’s glory like the moon reflects sunlight. He shines with God’s own divine light—eternally and continuously. To see Jesus is to see God’s glory made visible.

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4. Jesus Is the Exact Expression

The Perfect Image of God

“He expresses the very character of God.” (v. 3)

Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s nature. He doesn’t just resemble God—He reveals Him perfectly. God is no longer distant or abstract. In Jesus, God becomes knowable.

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5. Jesus Is the Sustainer

The One Who Holds Everything Together

“He sustains everything by the mighty power of his command.” (v. 3)

The universe holds together because Jesus holds it together. The same voice that keeps galaxies in motion is capable of sustaining your life when it feels like it’s falling apart.

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6. Jesus Is the Savior

The Cleanser of Sin

“When he had cleansed us from our sins.” (v. 3)

This is finished work. Unlike Old Testament priests who never stopped offering sacrifices, Jesus completed the work of forgiveness once and for all.

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7. Jesus Is the Ruler

The Seated King

“He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.” (v. 3)

Jesus is seated because the victory is secure. His authority is complete. He isn’t anxious or uncertain—He reigns.

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Greater Than Everything

Hebrews 1:4 concludes by reminding the original audience—and us—that Jesus is greater than angels, traditions, and every substitute people turn to when life gets hard.

When faith feels costly and Jesus feels distant, Hebrews calls us back to this truth:

It’s all about Jesus.

When we see Him clearly, everything else finds its proper place.

Icebreaker: “Nickname Challenge”
Have students share a nickname they’ve been given (or made up). Ask:
• Who gave it to you?
• What does it say about you?

Explain: Just like nicknames describe people, the Bible gives Jesus descriptions that tell us who He really is.

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1. Jesus Is the Creator and Heir
Read: Hebrews 1:2

Jesus made everything, and everything ultimately belongs to Him. That means our lives have a purpose connected to Him.

Discuss:
• Why does it matter that Jesus created everything?
• How does that affect the way you see your life?

Takeaway: Jesus is the reason everything exists—and that includes you.

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2. Jesus Shows Us What God Is Like
Read: Hebrews 1:3

Jesus perfectly shows us God’s character. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.

Discuss:
• What do you learn about God by looking at Jesus?
• Why is that comforting?

Takeaway: Jesus helps us understand God clearly and personally.

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3. Jesus Holds Everything Together
Read: Hebrews 1:3

The same Jesus who holds the universe together also cares about your life.

Discuss:
• What feels out of control in your life right now?
• How does knowing Jesus sustains everything help you trust Him?

Takeaway: If Jesus can hold the universe together, He can hold you together too.

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4. Jesus Saves and Rules
Read: Hebrews 1:3–4

Jesus forgave our sins completely and now reigns as King. His work is finished, and His authority is secure.

Discuss:
• Why is it important that Jesus’ work is finished?
• What does it look like to trust Him as King?

Takeaway: Jesus has already won the victory, and we can live in that confidence.

Jesus isn’t just part of God’s story—He’s the center of it. When we know who He truly is, everything else in life starts to make sense.

Closing Thought
Seeing Jesus clearly helps us live faithfully, even when life is hard.This week, when something feels overwhelming, remind yourself: Jesus is greater. Pray and trust Him with what you’re facing.