Hebrews: Christ Is Greater and BetterSample

A Sure Foundation
Read Hebrews 2:10-18

What is this wonderful message God has revealed? It is introduced right from the opening paragraph of the letter. The Son 'provided purification for sins' (1:3). He has redeemed sinners. There is much more on this in the letter, but here the point is made that God the Son, ‘shares in our humanity’. Jesus was made 'a little lower than the angels... so that he might taste death for everyone.' The point is emphasised here with three quotations from the Old testament (vs 12-13).

Perhaps why 'the author' of our salvation needed to be made 'perfect through suffering' may feel elusive and like a mystery; but this we know, it was absolutely necessary. Three things about His being made man however are not a mystery. The first is that He might destroy Satan, 'him who holds the power of death' (v 14). Second, that He might make atonement for the sins of the people (v 17). Third, that He might help those who are tempted because He Himself suffered when He was tempted (v 18).

Here is the gospel condensed in brief phrases. Each of these grand themes could fill pages if we want words to fully describe them. But sometimes, like now, we should instead be quiet and let those words sink deep into us as we meditate on them. Another thing we can do is to repeat them aloud and memorize them.

Because He himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (v 18).

Turn to Him however difficult things may be. Turn to Him and Him alone in the face of tribulation. Trust Him that He will act in His time even if He seems silent now.