Daily Bread 2011 - Hebrews 2
Daily Bread 2011 – Hebrews 2
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 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. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
What Does This Mean?
One of the purposes of the book of Hebrews is to show that Jesus is the all sufficient mediator of a new covenant through his own sacrificial death. It is also to link Jesus to the Old Testament and the many promises and prophecies made there to the Jewish people. We see in this passage many references to Old Testament, including quotes from Psalm 8 and 22 and also from Isaiah 8. The author shows how Jesus became a human being and suffered just like we did, so he might be a merciful high priest.
The author warns the Hebrews to stay focused on the message they heard, not from only angels, but from the Lord himself who took on our humanity to convey God’s deep love for us. Because Jesus was human in every way, except without sin, he could make atonement for our sins. I.e. If Jesus had sinned he would have had to die for his own sins! By restoring us to the Father, Jesus restores humanity to its image it had as the Psalmist says, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and put everything under his feet.”
What Does This Mean For Us?
As you are being tempted, do you ever take time to realize that Jesus is with you in every way as you go through a trial in your life? Do you realize that God is not aloof to suffering and in fact, through Jesus, has suffered more than anyone as he went to the cross on our behalf? You do not go through your temptation alone.
What place in your life do you need to realize that Jesus is right there alongside you going through the suffering with you? How will this give you perspective and endurance to stand up beneath the suffering? How can we be Christ to each other to lessen each other’s burdens? What burden do you need to go to the Lord now in prayer knowing that he understands it more than you will ever know?
Jesus, thank you for being a merciful high priest that entered our human condition. You have experienced the depth of human suffering and therefore you relate to all that we go through. Forgive us Lord for trying to go through this alone. Send Your Spirit to remind us of all Your precious promises which are all true in Christ who gives us strength. Amen.
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 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. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
What Does This Mean?
One of the purposes of the book of Hebrews is to show that Jesus is the all sufficient mediator of a new covenant through his own sacrificial death. It is also to link Jesus to the Old Testament and the many promises and prophecies made there to the Jewish people. We see in this passage many references to Old Testament, including quotes from Psalm 8 and 22 and also from Isaiah 8. The author shows how Jesus became a human being and suffered just like we did, so he might be a merciful high priest.
The author warns the Hebrews to stay focused on the message they heard, not from only angels, but from the Lord himself who took on our humanity to convey God’s deep love for us. Because Jesus was human in every way, except without sin, he could make atonement for our sins. I.e. If Jesus had sinned he would have had to die for his own sins! By restoring us to the Father, Jesus restores humanity to its image it had as the Psalmist says, “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels; you crowned him with glory and honor 8 and put everything under his feet.”
What Does This Mean For Us?
As you are being tempted, do you ever take time to realize that Jesus is with you in every way as you go through a trial in your life? Do you realize that God is not aloof to suffering and in fact, through Jesus, has suffered more than anyone as he went to the cross on our behalf? You do not go through your temptation alone.
What place in your life do you need to realize that Jesus is right there alongside you going through the suffering with you? How will this give you perspective and endurance to stand up beneath the suffering? How can we be Christ to each other to lessen each other’s burdens? What burden do you need to go to the Lord now in prayer knowing that he understands it more than you will ever know?
Jesus, thank you for being a merciful high priest that entered our human condition. You have experienced the depth of human suffering and therefore you relate to all that we go through. Forgive us Lord for trying to go through this alone. Send Your Spirit to remind us of all Your precious promises which are all true in Christ who gives us strength. Amen.
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