SCRIPTURE: HEBREWS 2
WARNING TO PAY ATTENTION (vs. 1-4)
We should pay attention to the salvation announced by the Lord. If we ignore it, we shall receive its just punishment. God has testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy spirit which were distributed according to his will.
JESUS MADE LIKE HIS BROTHERS (vs. 5-18)
“God is mindful of man and He cares for the Son of man. He made Jesus lower than the angels, crowned him with glory and honor and put everything under his feet.” (vs. 6-8)
Jesus suffered death, so that by the grace of God, he might taste death for everyone. Through his suffering, salvation was made perfect. Jesus called the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy – brothers.
Since humans have flesh and blood, Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death, he might destroy the devil, who holds the power of death. He has freed all those who were held in slavery by their fear of death. He became like brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God. He also made atonement for the sins of the people and help those who are tempted because he himself suffered when he was tempted.
THOUGHTS:
The author wanted us to ponder the following:
- Pay attention to the Truth. (vs. 1-2)
- Hear His Salvation with signs, wonders, miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit. (vs. 3-4)
- See His Victory over death now crowned with glory and honor. (vs. 5-12)
- Trust His promise to make atonement for your sins. (vs. 13-18)
Jesus has adopted all believers as his children. Jesus calls them his brothers and sisters. Therefore, all believers have been set apart for God’s service and being sanctified having the same Father.
Jesus became human so that he could die and rise again to destroy the Devil’s power over death. Those who belong to God need not fear death because death is the only doorway to eternal life.
During the Old Testament times, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people. He offered animal sacrifices to intercede with God for the forgiveness of people’s sins. Now, Jesus Christ is our High Priest. He is our mediator to restore our broken relationship with God.
Jesus understands our struggles because he faced them as a human being. We can trust Christ to help us endure sufferings and overcome temptations. He understands our needs and is able to help us.