LESSON AIM

1. We will understand our position in GOD’S CREATION

2. We will recognize the significance of CHRIST’S sacrifice

3. We will determine to accept or affirm CHRIST as our LORD and SAVIOR.

KEEP IN MIND

“Wherefore in all things it behooved HIM to be made like unto HIS brethren, that HE might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to GOD, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews2:17).

We as fallen human beings, are lower than the angels. But GOD sent JESUS to redeem us, making us higher than the angels. JESUS became one with fallen human in order to redeem us. HE IS OUR ONLY SALVATION. Because HE became like us, HE is able to understand the problems we face.

By way of background, in the first chapter, the writer of the Book of Hebrews clearly establishes that JESUS CHRIST is superior to all. The writer wants his readers to know that JESUS is superior to everything and everyone. JESUS is preeminent over even the angels and prophets. HE is GOD’S last WORD to the world (Hebrews 1:2).

In light of JESUS’ superiority, people should pay strict attention to who JESUS is and what HE has done. We are warned of consequences for not accepting JESUS as LORD. Only HE offers salvation. GOD HIMSELF has done everything possible to show us that JESUS is SAVIOR through signs, miracles, and even the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT. Because of JESUS’ personal superiority, HIS teachings are infinitely more worthy of our diligent attention than anything spoken by angels and included in the Law (2:1-4).

In the second chapter, the writer continues his teaching of the superiority of CHRIST to the angels, but quickly turns his attention to the subject of humanity’s relationship to GOD. He speaks about our destiny and the role of CHRIST in securing it.

1. HUMANITY’S POSITION IN CREATION (Hebrews 2:5-8)

Some ancient rabbis thought that angels were given charge over nations, while GOD was responsible for Israel. An example of this concept is found in Daniel 10:13, 21. In this passage, Michael the archangel is portrayed as having charge over Babylon and Persia. While the administration of the present world has been entrusted to angels, the administration of future worlds is reserved for the son.

CHRIST’S SUPERIORITY to angels is further clarified by explaining HIS POSITION in “the WORLD TO COME” (Hebrews 2:5). This term refers to the NEW HEAVEN AND NEW EARTH (Revelation 21:1) that GOD will create after the destruction of the current world.

This world has been the scene of a drama between GOD and the forces of evil. No one knows how long this conflict raged in heaven before the creation of man, but man’s willful disobedience has caused the whole earth to come under a curse. However, the disruption caused by Satan and disobedient man will not defeat GOD’S original plan.

According to GOD’S WORD, “The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and earth and everything in it will be laid bare” (2 Peter 3:10). The “Day of the LORD” culminates with the complete destruction of the present heavens and earth and the creation of “A NEW HEAVEN AND A NEW EARTH” (Revelation 21:1). This new earth will be “in subjection” to CHRIST (Hebrews 2:8). “Subjection” is a term that describes being under the command of another. In the worlds to come, CHRIST will be KING and man will administrate. This restores the role of humanity in creation.

Since the beginning of time, humans have wondered, “Where do I fit in to GOD’S CRATION?” The writer of Hebrews tackles this question and explains GOD’S PURPOSE in creating man and crowning him with dignity. Led by the HOLY SPIRIT, the writer quotes Psalm 8 as proof of the divine destiny GOD has planned for humanity. In this psalm, David contemplates the vast, glorious beauty of the universe and asks, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the SON OF MAN that thou visitest him? (Hebrews 2:6). David wonders why GOD would condescend to set HIS affections and thinking upon sinful humanity. Why would HE leave the glories of heaven, take on flesh, and visit among us? (John 1:14).

GOD gave man a special position in the order of creation “a little lower than the angels” (Hebrews 2:7; some early manuscripts say “lower than GOD”). This means that for a time in the order of creation, humanity ranks a little lower than the angels. Man lives in a physical world and is thus limited by the laws of the physical universe. This limitation is only for a time. Although we are currently a little lower than the angels, it is man, not angels, who was granted dominion over the world. GOD has crowned us with “glory and honor” by setting us over all that HE HAS CREATED (v.7). HE sees humanity as important and has entrusted us with dominion over the earth.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR HUMANITY. This plan and purpose involves having authority over all lesser creation (e.g., animals, plants, etc.). This dominion is only the beginning. GOD plans for man to exercise dominion “over the works of [HIS] hands” (v.7b). The writer goes on to explain, “Thou hast put all things under his feet” (v.8a). Man will not only exercise dominion over GOD’S lesser creation and worlds to come, but all of creation, including angels, are to be placed “in subjection under him” (v.8b). Humanity through CHRIST becomes GOD’S HEIR OF ALL THINGS.

However, we are not exercising any of this authority now. If GOD created us to have dominion over all the rest of creation, why don’t we have it? It goes back to man’s choice and the fall of man (Genesis 3). When humanity sinned, we handed our dominion over to Satan. That is why he is sometimes called the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30).

Even though JESUS is currently “crowned with glory and honor” in heaven (v.9), our fallen, sin-infested world is currently dominated by Satan. However, all creation will one day be brought into subjection to CHRIST, and Satan and his evil minions are doomed to judgment and death.

2. JESUS’ POSITION AS A HUMAN (vv.9-11)

From a human standpoint, the fall of man left us in a hopeless situation. Our dominion over this world was forfeited to Satan. We could not regain it by our goodness because we lost our goodness through disobedience. We possessed no holiness or righteousness of our own and were thus inadequate to satisfy GOD’S just demands and make ourselves worthy. The future of humanity seemed hopeless.

The word “but” in verse 9 means that things are about to turn around. We cannot see into the future, “but” we can see JESUS. The writer of Hebrews now begins to unfold the divine purpose of CHRIST’S coming into our world. The SON OF GOD became man in order to help us know GOD and have a future with HIM. JESUS would experience manhood to the fullest and exercise the authority that mankind was supposed to have.

In verse 7, the writer explains that humans were created a little lower than angels. Now we see JESUS voluntarily becoming a little lower than the angels. Though equal to GOD, JESUS condescended to become human. HE temporarily set aside HIS RIGHTS to exercise divine prerogative and become fully human. JESUS would subject HIMSELF to all the limitations of humanity. HE would become tired, hungry, and weak. HE would even experience the greatest of human frailties: death. However, HE would return from death with all authority over all creation. It has always been GOD’S PLAN to place man in the highest position of all HIS creatures. CHRIST’S DEATH AND RESURRECTION made GOD’S PLAN certain and guarantees the honored position that CHRIST will share with man.

JESUS experienced life on earth as a human so that HE could demonstrate perfect obedience to GOD. HE “tasted” (temporarily experienced) death for all people (v.9) to pay the debt and satisfy GOD’S wrath. As a sinless person, JESUS took the punishment that we deserved. Our salvation was accomplished by a loving act of kindness. GOD HIMSELF became human and suffered for our sake. Since CHRIST bore the punishment for all of humanity, salvation is available to all who accept HIM.

GOD the CREATOR and SUSTAINER of all things, has made HIS SON the “captain” of our salvation (v.10). JESUS became the “captain” of our salvation through HIS SUFFERING ON THE CROSS. HIS ABSOLUTE OBEDIENCE, even unto death, qualified HIM as a PERFECT SACRIFICE for fallen humanity. As a result of JESUS’ SUFFERING, anyone and everyone can be rescued from the penalty of sin and become children of GOD.

JESUS’ PERFECT SACRIFICE not only saved us it “sanctified” us as well (v.11). Being sanctified means that GOD has set us apart for HIS use and glory. Those who are set apart by their faith in CHRIST are one family under the FATHERHOOD OF GOD. This is why JESUS is able to call all believers HIS “BRETHREN” (v.11b). While we may look at the human race and become disgusted and ashamed, JESUS was not ashamed to become one of us and address all who believe in HIM as family.

Just as JESUS identified with sinful humanity in HIS earthly life and death, we are now identified with HIM in HIS RESURRECTION. HE gives us the authority and the right to become children Of GOD (John 1:12-13) and joint heirs with HIM IN POWER (Romans 8:16-17).

3. HUMANITY’S POSITION IN CHRIST (vv.14-18)

Why did JESUS become “flesh and blood”? Only a true human being could redeem humanity from Satan. Satan is described here as the one who has the “power of death.” JESUS became “flesh and blood” and died to free us from Satan’s power (v.14).

JESUS, OUR SAVIOR, saves us from the power of Satan and the “fear of death” (v.15). HE took on the form of man (v.16) so HE could free us from the bondage of sin and the fear of death. CHRIST is not only our savior; HE is our “merciful and faithful high priest” (v.17). The high priest in the Old Testament was the one who went before GOD seeking forgiveness for people’s sins. JESUS qualifies as OUR MERCIFUL HIGH PRIEST. Having been tempted and suffered as we are and do, HE understands our temptations and sufferings. HE is our faithful HIGH PRIEST because HE endured the cross so that we may be saved.

Only JESUS could make reconciliation for the sin of all people. Sin disrupts normal relations with GOD. JESUS’ sinless death satisfied GOD’S wrath against our sin and restored the opportunity for a right relationship. Our HIGH PRIEST and SAVIOR paid the price for our sins.

JESUS’ suffering and victory over temptation enables HIM to better comfort us. HE is able to “succor” or help those who are tempted (v.18). HE can relate to any and all temptations we may encounter. Knowing that JESUS knows and understands all we go through should strengthen and encourage us. And JESUS, OUR VICTORIOUS SAVIOR, IS ABLE TO GIVE US VICTORY OVER ALL TEMPTATIONS.

THINK ABOUT IT!!!!

Spiritually Yours,

Rev. Chris Lowe, Sr. DD

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