I recall beginning this sub-topic on ‘Sundry Times’ as a subsidiary theme, with only a handful of revelations on the subject. However, the revelation of Jesus is progressive (the more we think we know, the more we discover how much we don’t know), and it is upon the accurate and growing knowledge of Him that the very anchor of our faith is secured.

Let’s go back to Hebrews Chapter 1, from verse 1. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (God had also spoken in time past by the Law [logos], for understanding and application He also spoke through the prophets [rhema]). Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Now Jesus is the embodiment of the Law and the Prophets [Matt. 5:17-18]).

The Prophets: Messenger and Messiah

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made… and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 3, 14).

The first chapter of the Gospel of John introduces Jesus as the eternal Word—Logos, revealing His pre-existence, divinity, and creative authority. Interestingly, Hebrews chapter 1 serves as a powerful sequel to this introduction, emphasising Jesus’s prophetic office, describing Him amongst others as the Messenger of the Word.

“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Together, these passages unify an aspect of the Word—the Law and the Prophet.

“Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (Hebrews 1:4). The question is, why will Jesus be compared to angels? In the Hebrew language, the word ‘angel’ (mal’akh) could also be translated as ‘messenger’, i.e human messengers or heavenly beings sent by God. Therefore, the actual comparison was between Jesus and other prophets before Him (Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, et al.). So, what makes Him “much better”?

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God (fellowship), and THE WORD WAS GOD! The Word was made flesh and dwelt among men (Jn. 1:1, 14). Unlike Moses, who was handed the Law, Jesus didn’t just carry God's message—He is the message! Others will declare, “Thus says the Lord…” but He will say, “Verily, verily, I say unto you…”. Let’s not forget that He could single-handedly forgive sins (Mark 2:5–7).

Let’s also hear from his contemporaries (in quotes), Isaiah: Isaiah 9:6–7: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given… and His name will be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God (The Almighty), Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. Who dares bear these accolades except HIM? Every law written, every word prophesied pointed to HIM as the Priest, King and Prophet—Messiah, the Anointed One.

Continued…