Scripture Reading(s)
Hebrews 2:10-18
2:10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
2:11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,
2:12 saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”
2:13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”
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.
Reflections
In this season we reflect on the coming of Jesus in the form of a baby. We often move from there right into Jesus walking on water and healing the sick. But we must reflect some on the fact that Jesus came in human form and for longer than just the Christmas season. He had to learn and grow just like all of us. He experienced hardships, disappointments, joy, and all the same emotions that we did. In every way, Jesus become like the ones that He came to save. Do not let this fact go unnoticed. For, since Jesus was one of us He is the one that can help us overcome as He overcame.
Do not believe the lie that you alone in your struggles or in your temptations. We all have them. Jesus even had them, and since He was perfect and obedient even unto death we know that we also can live in such a way and that Jesus can provide the way for us. As Paul wrote to the Corinthian church,
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
Lean on the Lord when you are in trials. He will see you through it.