We’re continuing our series looking at Hebrews as we take a look today at Hebrews 2:10-18:
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,“I will tell of your name to my brothers;in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”And again,“I will put my trust in him.”And again,“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
This passage reminds us that (once again) that Jesus is better than everything! Now, there are some passages in Hebrews that are difficult for us to understand today! This is one of them! One of the primary doctrines of God is his aseity that means He is lacking in nothing. So how can Jesus be “made perfect” through his suffering, if He lacks nothing? That’s a great question! What the author is reminding us here is that while Jesus lacks nothing, He has now experienced the full gamut of suffering. In fact, far greater suffering than any of us will ever have to experience because he bore on his back the sins of the entire world! And this is true because we’re all now sons and daughters of God, we all have the same source, that is God. Now the amazing thing about that is that because of this new familial relationship, Jesus will call us his brothers and sisters! I love the way C.S. Lewis said it: “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”
We then see part of the reason Jesus calls us brothers and sisters: we share in the same flesh and blood. God himself entered into his creation as a human. This is reminding us that Jesus didn’t seem to be human, he literally was flesh and blood. This is why he could encourage doubting Thomas to feel the holes in his arms and side. He really existed in space and time. We also see the wonderful reminder that Jesus is on our side. He is not only the perfect high priest who has made the once for all sacrifice of His life, he also is able to relate to our experiences when we suffer and encourage us to remain faithful in the midst of that. But his suffering far exceeds any of ours! Think of a time when you’ve been tempted. Does the temptation increase or decrease in strength over time? If you don’t give in right away it gets MUCH harder! Now think of Jesus who never gave in! He experienced FAR greater temptation than we ever will, but He did so perfectly.
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Pastor Mike's Musings 