Hebrews 2 - What Makes Christianity Different From Every Other Religion?
Click Here to Read or Listen to Hebrews 2
Click Here for an Overview for Hebrews 2
Verses for Today
"16 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of 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 them, fully human 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." (Hebrews 2:16-18)
What Does This Mean?
As you might have read in the overview, the purpose of Hebrews 2 is to show the humanity. It shows how Jesus willingly entered into the human race to identify with us in every way possible, even death! I can never get over or comprehend this truth that God became one of us. The God who created the whole earth in all of its glory came to earth to identify with me in my weaknesses. The God who created the sun, moon, and stars came down here to rescue me from sin, death and the power of the devil.
This passage shows that God is not aloof to suffering. Jesus suffered in every way possible, including being tortured and nailed to the cross for something he didn't do! There is nothing you and I could undergo that matches the pain and agony he experienced on Calvary that day, 2,000 years ago. On top of the sheer physical suffering of the crucifixion, Jesus was abandoned and forsaken by all of this closest friends, the twelve disciples. Even perhaps his closest friend Peter, who said he would never deny him, denied knowing him publicly three times. In the last moment he screamed, "I never knew the man!" In the moments before he was arrested and led to the cross, he even felt abandoned by his Father when he cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me."
What compelled Jesus to come here and endure was that we might be freed from the power and fear of death. There is no worse fear than dying, or having a loved one die. When Jesus died on the cross, he took the sins of all humankind upon himself. "He who knew no sin, became sin for us!" 2 Corinthians 5:21 The devil thought he had won, but three days later he realized he had been defeated by Jesus once and forever.
The author of Hebrews says, "By his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil."
What does this mean? Does the devil literally hold the power of death?
The answer to that question is "no". The devil does not decide when people die or have the power to bring death upon someone.
The website "GotQuestions.org" is very helpful here.
"The devil does not have absolute or sovereign power over life and death. While Hebrews 2:14 states that the devil once held "the power of death," this refers to his role in introducing sin and spiritual alienation from God, rather than the authority to arbitrarily kill people or control ultimate destiny."
The devil also uses death as a fear tactic and tries to cause uncertainty about our salvation in Christ. Since the devil will face judgment forever in hell, he doesn't want us to be at peace that we will live eternally in heaven. This is why he heaps "false guilt" upon us in the hopes of getting us to doubt our salvation. When we sin, he is our accuser trying convince us that we can lose our salvation if we keep sinning. He tries to take the free gift of salvation and turn it into a law. This is why the gospel set us free from the righteous requirements of the law, so we can serve and love him in complete freedom.
What Does This Mean For Us?
We all go through periods where we feel isolated and alone. We all have times we beat ourselves up for falling to that same sin again. We doubt if we are even a Christian, because we keep messing up. Or, we go through emotional or physical suffering. Or, the sudden or gradual loss of a loved one. We wonder how God could allow this and what possible good can come from it?
This is where Christianity is different from every other religion. In no other religion does the God of the universe willingly step down into the human condition. In no other religion does God undergo suffering and death to deliver from the power of sin, death, and the power of the devil.
Bottom line there is nothing you can ever go through that Jesus can empathize with and that he does call you to give to him.
Jesus says, Come to me all you are weary and burdened and I will give you rest for your soul." Matthew 11:28
And the bible says, "Jesus sits at the right hand of God to make intercessions for his people." (This concept shows up in three passages in the New Testament, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 2:1)
Click on these three passage to read them.
Where do you need to trust Jesus right now in your life circumstances? How does knowing that He knows what you are going through and has been tempted in every way you have help you?
Take some time to realize that Jesus is interceding for you this very moment and take the time to pray to him and thank him.
Jesus, we thank you that you that you know what suffering is like so that no matter what we go through, you can identify with us. Help us to cling to Your promises and come to you when we are afraid, alone, or agonizing over guilt. We know you have come to set us free from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment