Hebrew 2 reminds me of the intimate understanding shared by siblings. Every home has uncomfortable quirks. Some are humorous, and others are dark. Though it can sometimes be messy, siblings share a lifelong childhood bond. Today’s lesson is about the common experience of being part of the human family. The author begins with the Hebrew practice of restating a point, “therefore… pay the most careful attention… to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away”. The first chapter declared Jesus is superior to the angels; not to diminish the role of angels, but to exalt the Messiah. He asks, “Since… the message spoken through angels was binding, and… disobedience received its just punishment… how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” He is noting a biblical principle; we are each held responsible for what we are given. Luke 12:48 says it this way, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded”. The writer explains that salvation has been presented repeatedly. He writes, “first announced by the Lord”. Jesus forgave sins and healed the sick. He also acknowledged He is the Redeemer. During the last supper, He took the last glass of wine, the Cup of Redemption (the symbol of the blood of the Passover Lamb) and said, “This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” Matthew 26. The salvation message was also “confirmed to us by those who heard Him”, and “testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit”. If you are searching for salvation, you will find it in Christ, and the Holy Spirit will confirm His presence by giving you peace.
The writer next establishes the unique role and dominion of human beings; “It is not to angels that He has subjected the world to come”. He quotes from Psalm 8, in which King David ponders a future under the Righteous Ruler. After praising God, David asks, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them?” David continues, “You made them a little lower than the angels; You crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet”. Messiah will be King; and Satan and the rebellious angels will be bound. The writer continues, “Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them”. We live in a fallen world. All creation longs for wrongs to be made right. He explains, Jesus was born through the woman in order to be part of the human family. “Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor” experienced every temptation, sorrow and pain, yet He did not sin. As our human brother, He was able to redeem His family, “He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone”.
The writer calls Jesus the “pioneer of their salvation”. Explaining that “Both the One who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family”. Even though this family is messed up at times, “Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters”. The once-and-for-all sacrifice of Jesus defeated our common enemy; “He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power… of death”. The death and resurrection of Jesus put an end to “their fear of death”. Jesus was “fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God”. That is, Jesus understands every struggle we have. The blood of the Lamb of God covers every possible transgression so that “He might make atonement for the sins of the people”. The author concludes “Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted”. My friend, no matter how dark or difficult your situation, Jesus, our brother, will come beside you. With Him, you too can overcome and be set free.