Hebrews 2
Hebrews 2
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation:
Though Jesus was powerful and present at the Creation of the world, we see also that when he came to earth, one of the key aspects of the incarnation was his identification with us as humans. Jesus was not aloof to suffering, but was made perfect (or complete) through suffering with us on earth.
Unlike some heresies that were circulating in the day, Jesus didn’t just appear to be human, he really was. He was a spirit being that appeared to be in a human body. And as a human, he was subjected to the limits of human nature. What was important about this is that Jesus not only can make atonement (or cover) our sins, but he can identify with us in our weakness. One of the words for Jesus is “Immanuel”, which means God with us.
Application:
One of the defining aspects of Christianity that sets it apart from every other religion is that God became one of us. In a world of dualism, “spirit is good” and “flesh is bad”. But Hebrews says “both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family”. Most people think to become holy you need to go out of this world. Jesus created the opportunity by coming and living among us and identifying with our suffering.
What does this mean for us? If we are to follow in Jesus’ steps, we too must enter the world of suffering and identify with those in need like our merciful high priest. We often call this “incarnational” ministry. So often we expect people to come to church where we will make them holy, yet Jesus’ model was going into the world and suffering with through the same temptations as we do.
Prayer:
God as we face suffering and temptation remind us of our faithful high priest and brother, Jesus who came and identified with our suffering so that he might lead us back to you! As we seek to bring Jesus’ love into the world, help us not shrink back from entering into the suffering of those around us so they too will know the full extent of your love! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Observation:
Though Jesus was powerful and present at the Creation of the world, we see also that when he came to earth, one of the key aspects of the incarnation was his identification with us as humans. Jesus was not aloof to suffering, but was made perfect (or complete) through suffering with us on earth.
Unlike some heresies that were circulating in the day, Jesus didn’t just appear to be human, he really was. He was a spirit being that appeared to be in a human body. And as a human, he was subjected to the limits of human nature. What was important about this is that Jesus not only can make atonement (or cover) our sins, but he can identify with us in our weakness. One of the words for Jesus is “Immanuel”, which means God with us.
Application:
One of the defining aspects of Christianity that sets it apart from every other religion is that God became one of us. In a world of dualism, “spirit is good” and “flesh is bad”. But Hebrews says “both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family”. Most people think to become holy you need to go out of this world. Jesus created the opportunity by coming and living among us and identifying with our suffering.
What does this mean for us? If we are to follow in Jesus’ steps, we too must enter the world of suffering and identify with those in need like our merciful high priest. We often call this “incarnational” ministry. So often we expect people to come to church where we will make them holy, yet Jesus’ model was going into the world and suffering with through the same temptations as we do.
Prayer:
God as we face suffering and temptation remind us of our faithful high priest and brother, Jesus who came and identified with our suffering so that he might lead us back to you! As we seek to bring Jesus’ love into the world, help us not shrink back from entering into the suffering of those around us so they too will know the full extent of your love! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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