What makes Jesus Better

By Randell Tiongson on July 7th, 2025

Personal Reflections on Hebrews 1

This past week, I had the privilege of preparing for Week 1 of our new 12-week preaching series on the Book of Hebrews entitled Jesus> at Victory Makati. As I opened my Bible and studied Hebrews 1, I was immediately struck by both the depth and urgency of its message.

Hebrews is not an easy book to preach—it’s deeply theological, richly layered, and assumes a lot of background in the Old Testament. But the more I immersed myself in the text, the more it became clear: this isn’t just theology—this is life-changing truth.

And so I asked myself: what does Hebrews 1 really say, and what does it mean for me as a husband, father, minister, businessman, and follower of Christ in today’s world?

The Opening That Stops You in Your Tracks

Hebrews doesn’t begin with a greeting. No author introduction. No “grace and peace.” It opens like a trumpet blast:

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son…” (Hebrews 1:1–2a, ESV)

As I reflected on that, I was reminded by the Spoken Gospel and The Bible Project I watched (to prepare for the Hebrews series) that this isn’t just about divine communication—it’s about divine culmination. Everything God has said before—through Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah—was always pointing toward a better and fuller revelation: Jesus.

This hit me hard.

I’ve read the Bible for years, even taught it. But this verse reminded me that the goal of all Scripture is not just information, but revelation—and that revelation is a person. Every page is meant to lead me to a deeper encounter with Jesus.

A Deep Dive Study That Changed My Perspective

Here’s where my nerdy side kicked in. As I studied further, I saw how intentional the writer of Hebrews was. The phrase “in these last days” isn’t just a time stamp. It’s a theological marker. It means: “We are now living in the days of God’s final word—Jesus.”

Everything else, as majestic as it was—angels, prophets, Torah, temple, priesthood—all of it was preparatory.

Then comes the seven-fold description of the Son in verses 2b to 4:

  • Heir of all things
  • Creator of the world
  • Radiance of God’s glory
  • Exact imprint of His nature
  • Upholder of the universe
  • Made purification for sins
  • Sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

Each phrase could be a sermon in itself. But here’s what I couldn’t ignore: this is the Jesus we follow—not just Savior, but Sustainer. Not just Redeemer, but Ruler.

In the words of theologian N.T. Wright, “Jesus is not merely the messenger—He is the message. Not the pointer to truth, but the Truth Himself.”

Life Lessons from a Better Word

Let me bring this down to where most of us live. I’m not writing this from an ivory tower. I’m writing this during my sabbath and contemplating about my ministry commitments, and the future of my family and our church.

And here’s what I learned:

1. When Jesus is your foundation, you don’t have to hold everything together.

Hebrews 1:3 says He upholds the universe by the word of His power. That includes my life, my family, my finances, and my future. I’m not the Savior of my own story—and that’s such a relief.

2. Jesus is better than success.

In a culture like Makati’s—driven by performance, image, and achievement—it’s easy to drift. But Hebrews calls us back to the truth: nothing we pursue can compare to the Son of God, exalted above all.

3. God has already spoken. Listen to Him.

We often ask, “Lord, what’s your will?” But maybe the better question is: “Lord, what have You already said that I haven’t obeyed?” God isn’t silent. He has spoken clearly, fully, finally—in Jesus.

From the Pulpit to the Dinner Table to Group Chats

After preaching this message at Victory Makati, I had dinner with my friends and family. We talked a little about the preaching, about how Jesus is not just an addition to our lives, but the center of it all. My kids and friends gave me honest feedback. I was also able to chat with some guys from my discipleship group and Victory Makati for their thoughts.

And I thought to myself: This is what it’s all about—passing on a better word, a better Savior, to the next generation and to many others.

My Thoughts

I’ll be honest—preaching Hebrews is a humbling task and a very challenging one. But it’s also a holy privilege because in this book, Jesus is not just explained. He’s exalted.

And in a world full of noise, distractions, and lesser voices, Hebrews 1 is the reminder we all need:

God has spoken. Jesus is better. Let’s listen.

If you’re reading this and feel overwhelmed by life, burdened by expectations, or even just spiritually tired, come back to Hebrews 1. Come back to Jesus—the final Word, the radiance of God’s glory, the Savior who sits at the right hand of the Father… and still cares for you.

Let’s keep our eyes on Him. Time to start studying Hebrews 2.

If ever you are in Makati, join us in our worship services at Victory Makati: https://www.facebook.com/victorymakati

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What makes Jesus Better