Hebrews 1–2

Introduction

Hebrews 1–2focuses on Jesus Christ’s special position as the Son of God. His glory and honor is greater than the angels of heaven, yet He allowed Himself to be made “a little lower than the angels” (Hebrews 2:9; see also Psalm 8:5). Consider what this statement means and search in Hebrews for the teachings of the supremacy of Jesus Christ over all.

Prayerfully study Hebrews 1–2and consider the following principles before preparing your lessons.

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

• Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son and is in the “express image” of Heavenly Father (see Hebrews 1:1–6; see also John 14:9).

• Jesus Christ is greater than the angels of heaven, but He was willing to take upon Himself mortality that He might comprehend our sufferings and temptations (see Hebrews 1:4–12; 2:9–18; see also Alma 7:11–13).

Additional Resources

• The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, 380–83.

Suggestions for Teaching

Choose from the following ideas, or use some of your own, as you prepare lessons for Hebrews 1–2.

Hebrews 1–2. Jesus Christ is in the “express image“ of Heavenly Father. He is greater than the angels of heaven, but He was willing to take upon Himself mortality that He might comprehend our sufferings and temptations.

(35–40 minutes)

Arrange for several students to bring to class a childhood photograph of themselves and of their parents at a similar age. Display the photographs and see if the other students can match the parents’ photographs to the correct sons or daughters. Discuss what physical characteristics helped students match parent and child.

Invite students to read Hebrews 1:1–3looking for what these verses teach about the physical characteristics of Jesus Christ. Ask: If you could look at a photograph of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, how similar would they look? Discuss with students other characteristics, besides physical resemblance, that we can receive from our parents.

Have students read John 14:6–10and look for an additional way that Jesus Christ is in the “express image” of Heavenly Father. Invite students to read Hebrews 1:6–12, this time looking for attributes, powers, or characteristics of Jesus Christ that are the same as Heavenly Father’s. You may wish to list the following points from Hebrews 1on the board:

Verse 6	The angels will worship Him.
Verse 8	He will have a scepter of righteousness.
Verse 9	He hates iniquity.
Verse 10	He laid the foundation of the earth.
Verse 12	He will be the same forever.

Ask students to read Hebrews 2:7, and then ask: Since Jesus Christ was a God in the premortal life, why did He choose to come to earth and be made “a little lower than the angels”? Discuss students’ ideas. Explain that Jesus was willing to come to earth in order to perform the Atonement for the rest of Heavenly Father’s children (see Hebrews 2:9; Philippians 2:5–11; Mosiah 3:5–9). The Savior’s willingness to leave His throne on high, become mortal, suffer death on the cross, and pay for the sins of mankind is called “the condescension of God” (1 Nephi 11:26–33).

Invite students to silently read Hebrews 2:10–18. Ask them to look for evidence that it was Christ’s love for us and His desire that we have the opportunity to return to His Father that motivated Him to suffer all that He did. Ask:

• Which of the verses touched you the most? Why?

• How does it feel to know that because He suffered temptations He is better able to succor us when we are tempted?

Share with students the love you feel for the Savior Jesus Christ.