Scripture Reading(s)
Hebrews 2:14-18
2:14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,
2:15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death.
2:16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
2:17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people.
2:18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Reflection(s)
There are two main thoughts that I want to share on this passage. The first is that Jesus Christ who is the creator of all things, understand our emotions. The second is that He is the only one can give us the strength to find victory over our struggles.
- He understand and relates to us (14-16)
There is no question that Jesus fully understood humanity’s emotions and struggles. It is such a powerful thought to know that Christ experienced what we did and what is more amazing is that he endured a level of pain and suffering far worse then any of us could ever imagine or experience. Furthermore, because He did experience the highest level of suffering He can relate to our everyday struggles, fears and doubts. Through the work on the cross He trumped all evil and sin and became the answer to lives hardships. In Christ we find a hope that will enable us to trust Him in the midst of our hard circumstances.
2. He alone gives strength to find victory over life’s struggles (vs17)
This verse not only speaks to Christ’s ability to relate to us but even more so, He is the one who can ultimately help us overcome those moment’s of weakness and trials. In the form of a man He related to us but in the form of God He enables us to hold on to His hand of Grace as we face hard times. The answer can be found when we look to the cross as a reminder of the sacrifice that He paid for our sins and replaced our sorrow with joy and our weakness with His strength.
It is comforting to recall that Jesus shed all of His glory to make himself humbled as a man. Not only did He come here nigh most humble form, but He gave everything He had as the ultimate sacrifice so that we can have eternal life.
When considering all that Jesus did for us I would point out that even in the middle of being crucified He forgave those who were nailing Him to the cross but that was never less necessary. Would they have been forgiven by Him even if He had not said it out loud? Absolutely. But He said it out loud so that they could hear Him. He did it for their own benefit.
This same love and humility is extended to us as children of the Lord. We are heir to the kingdom even though we don’t deserve it. We have forgiveness even in the midsts of our own sins. We have security and comfort even in the worst of circumstances. Never doubt that God won’t treasure you and care for you. He has already demonstrated that He will pay the ultimate price for you.