Hebrews 2:5-18
Introduction:
1. The previous section urged faithfulness based on Christ’s supremacy (1:1-2:4).
2. This section urges faithfulness based on His self-sacrificial love for us.
Discussion:
I. Glory Forfeited (2:5-9)
A. The fall of humanity is tragic on many levels, separation from God being the worst of all.
B. God’s original intent for humanity was glorious; all creation was to be under human dominion (Genesis 1:26-28; Psalms 8:1-8).
C. Yet, this is not humanity’s current reality in this fallen world (2:8; Romans 8:18-23).
II. Glory Relinquished and Restored (2:9-14, 17)
A. Humanity’s intended glory/honor, subverted by sin, could only be restored in Jesus.
B. Before this could occur, He had to relinquish His glory and honor, and die for us (2:9-10).
1. In the incarnation, the Creator was made a little lower than the angels He created.
2. Furthermore, He was made like humanity, which He also created (Philippians 2:5-11).
3. This solidarity cannot be overstated; our Creator, in becoming the “captain of our salvation” also became our Brother (2:11-12; Matthew 25:40; Romans 8:14-17).
C. Suffering and death were inherent to this process (2:10, 14, 17; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 26:36-46; Hebrews 5:7-9).
III. Death Defeated (2:14-15)
A. If the story ended with this solidarity, it would be an awesome yet temporal gift.
B. However, not only did He become like us, He delivered us from our greatest enemy.
C. When humanity fell for Satan’s deceit, the defeat appeared absolute (Romans 5:12).
D. When Jesus, with Satan’s unwitting help, was sacrificed on the cross, He destroyed death and its originator (Genesis 3:15; John 19:30; Acts 2:22-30; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 54-57; 2 Timothy 1:9-10; 1 John 3:8).
E. Now, we need not let fear rule us (2:15).
IV. Faithfulness Facilitated (2:16-18)
A. Though we operate with the full knowledge of these things, Satan still tempts us to sin.
B. Christ had to come in the likeness of fallen man to be our merciful High Priest, to atone for our sin (2:10, 17; Philippians 2:5-11).
C. As such, He is able to aid “…the seed of Abraham” (2:16; Galatians 3:29) when they are tempted (2:18; 4:4-16; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Conclusion:
1. In relinquishing His glory, taking on flesh, facing temptation, and dying on the cross, Jesus empowered humanity to obtain the glory God intended for them.
2. This is the most powerful argument yet for remaining faithful to Him, never turning back to whatever belief system we left behind.
3. Our greatest question is, am I a descendant of Abraham? (Galatians 3:26-29).
Further Food for Thought
1. How often do you reflect on the depths of Christ’s compassion for you?
2. How does this knowledge shape your love for Him?
3. How does that love move you to action in this life?
4. How eager ought you and I to be to share this love with our hopeless peers?