What does "sit at My right hand" reveal about Jesus' divine authority? Hebrews 1:13 in Focus “ ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’ ” Setting the Scene in Hebrews • The writer has just shown that Jesus is “much superior to the angels” (1:4). • Verse 13 caps the argument: God never extended this invitation to any angel—only to His Son. • “Sit” is a command; “My right hand” is the location of highest honor beside the Father Himself. Echoes of Psalm 110:1 • Hebrews quotes Psalm 110:1 verbatim, treating it as a Messianic prophecy fulfilled in Jesus. • David wrote, “The LORD said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand…’ ”. • By placing Jesus in that second “Lord” position, the New Testament identifies Him as fully divine, sharing Yahweh’s throne. What the Right Hand Signifies • Ultimate Authority—The right hand is the place of governmental power (1 Kings 2:19). • Completed Work—Jesus sat down because His atoning sacrifice is finished (Hebrews 10:12). • Co-Regency—He reigns with the Father, not as a subordinate advisor but as equal Sovereign. Exclusive Honor: Higher Than Angels, Higher Than All • Hebrews 1:6: “Let all God’s angels worship Him.” Only deity may receive worship (Exodus 20:3–5). • Colossians 1:16–17: All things were created “through Him and for Him.” Sitting at God’s right hand confirms His creator-authority. • Revelation 5:13 pictures every creature praising “Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb,” merging Father and Son in a single doxology. Present Ministry from the Throne • Intercessor—“He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). • Head of the Church—God “placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church” (Ephesians 1:20-23). • Giver of the Spirit—“Exalted to the right hand of God, He has poured out what you now see and hear” (Acts 2:33). Guaranteed Future Triumph • “Until I make Your enemies a footstool” promises a coming day when every opposing force will yield. • Philippians 2:9-11: Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” • 1 Corinthians 15:25: “He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet.” The right-hand session guarantees this outcome. Key Takeaways for Us Today • Jesus possesses unshared divine authority now—our obedience is not optional but rational. • His enthronement secures our salvation: the One who intercedes for us is the King of the universe. • History is moving toward His openly displayed victory; standing with Him is standing on the winning side. Because the Father commands, “Sit at My right hand,” we can rest in the certainty that Jesus reigns irresistibly, eternally, and personally over every realm. |
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