Hebrews 2:10-18 (Observe)

"10 In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 He says, "I will declare your name to my brothers; in the presence of the congregation I will sing your praises." 13 And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again he says, "Here am I, and the children God has given me." 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."
Hebrews 2:10-18

Observations:
  1. The NIV appears to say that Jesus was made perfect through suffering.
  2. It was fitting for Jesus to be made perfect through suffering relative to bringing many sons to glory.
  3. Everything exist through God and for God!
  4. The author seems to equate suffering with taking on humanity, evidenced by the the one who is holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.
  5. Jesus is not ashamed to call humans His brother. He is of the same family... human!
  6. The author again uses the Old Testament to show that the Messiah sees humanity as family.
  7. Since His family had flesh and blood, Jesus shared in their humanity. He has become like them.
  8. We are given reasons why Jesus took on flesh and blood evidenced by "so that".
  9. Reason Number 1: Jesus destroyed the one who holds the power of death through His own death... the devil.
  10. Reason Number 2: To free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.
  11. Reason Number 3: He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God.
  12. Reason Number 4: He might make atonement for the people.
  13. Reason Number 5: He helps those who are being tempted.
  14. Jesus is not helping angels, but humanity... He didn't become like angels, He became like man in every way.
  15. Jesus suffered when He was tempted. He can relate to humanity.
  16. It seems that being made perfect through suffering is a reference to Jesus taking on flesh and blood to become a perfect sacrifice... one that was acceptable to make atonement for people.
  17. The author is definitely dealing with the human thing... answering the question of why Jesus was made human.
  18. Angels are mentioned again indicating that the author is continuing his thoughts.
  19. This is what is meant when Jesus was "made a little lower than angels." He was becoming like man. So He is still greater than angels, even though He took on human flesh.

Interpretive Questions:
  1. What does the author mean by "should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering."? Isn't Jesus already perfect or is the passage talking about something else?
  2. What is the purpose of the second Scripture quote "I will put my trust in him"? It seems pretty random...
  3. Who are Abraham's descendants?
  4. Why does the author feel compelled to bring up the humanity of Jesus?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Navigating a Culture of "Pride" as a Christian

 June has been known as Pride Month ever since President Bill Clinton announced it back in 1999, and it has gained more and more steam since, particularly in the last 5 years.  It has made its way into small towns, into schools, and into the faith community as well.  In many ways it has become the loudest voice of the culture we live in, especially in the month of June.  It is a topic all over social media, the film industry, and media itself.  The agenda to normalize issues such as homosexuality and gender identity is pervasive.  You can hardly watch a series on main stream television, much less cable tv, without being confronted with these issues.  Some of the most prominent influences and influencers are now targeting children as their primary audience.  All of this has quickly shaped our culture, and anyone who thinks that the bombardment of these influences do not really have an effect on people, I would challenge them to learn about marketing.  The developments in the past 10 yea
Read more

Humanism in Christian Clothing

 I find myself more and more baffled by some of the things that I see posted on social media and how it seems to connect with so many.  I saw a post that quoted a pastor that said, "When your spirituality denies someone's humanity, it isn't spirituality, it's hatred wrapped up in religiosity."  The post attributes this to Mark Sandlin.  I don't know this pastor, if he really said it, or what the context was surrounding the quote.  However, it would seem reasonable to assume that the individual posting the quote was implying that if your spirituality leads you to conclude that homosexuality, transgenderism, or any other LGTBQ+ issue is sin, and you don't think it is the public schools job to normalize this, then you are denying someone's humanity, thus your spirituality is really not spirituality... it is hatred wrapped in religiosity.  This is a really odd statement for several reasons. 1.  What makes something spiritual?  Who defines what this is?  Is
Read more

Why Israel Still Matters in God's Plan

When someone professes faith in Christ and becomes a Christian, they enter in what the Scriptures calls the New Covenant.  This New Covenant is considered a greater covenant than the Old Covenant or Mosaic Covenant.  The Jewish people related to God through the Old Covenant for thousands of years.  Ultimately, this covenant pointed out one very important truth about life... Mankind naturally turns away from the living God and proves incapable of keeping the righteous demands of a Holy God.  As Biblical history unfolds, we find that Israel quickly abandon God and worshiped the gods of the surrounding nations.  They would have momentary bright spots, but even in those bright spots, the rebellious heart of man was on full display (King David anyone?).  The Law itself pointed out man's inability to keep the law and draws people to see that they need God's mercy.  Summary - Mankind needs a Savior because he sure can't save himself.   This is where Jesus comes in as a mediator of
Read more