Introduction
Hebrews 2 continues the argument of Jesus’ supremacy by emphasizing the significance of His incarnation, suffering, and role as the High Priest. The chapter underscores the need to pay close attention to the message of salvation, warns against neglecting it, and elaborates on Jesus’ solidarity with humanity. By highlighting Jesus’ suffering, death, and victory over sin and death, the author provides a compelling picture of Christ’s redemptive work and its implications for believers.
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
Pay Attention to the Message
The author begins with a strong exhortation: “We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1). This call to vigilance emphasizes the importance of the gospel message and the danger of neglecting it.
The Consequences of Neglect
The author argues that if the message spoken through angels was binding and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how much more serious is it to ignore the great salvation announced by the Lord (Hebrews 2:2-3a). This salvation was first declared by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him, with God testifying through signs, wonders, and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will (Hebrews 2:3b-4). This comparison underscores the gravity of neglecting the gospel.
The Supremacy of Jesus Over Angels
Jesus’ Humiliation and Exaltation
The author quotes Psalm 8:4-6 to explain Jesus’ temporary lower status than the angels during His earthly ministry: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet” (Hebrews 2:6-8a). This passage highlights the incarnation and exaltation of Jesus, who, although made lower than the angels for a little while, is now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death (Hebrews 2:8b-9a).
Purpose of Jesus’ Suffering
The author explains that by the grace of God, Jesus tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9b). This sacrificial death was necessary for bringing many sons and daughters to glory, making the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what He suffered (Hebrews 2:10). This perfection through suffering underscores the completeness of Jesus’ redemptive work.
Jesus’ Solidarity with Humanity
Shared Humanity
The author emphasizes Jesus’ solidarity with humanity, stating that both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. Therefore, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:11). He cites Psalm 22:22 and Isaiah 8:17-18 to support this claim, highlighting Jesus’ identification with His people (Hebrews 2:12-13).
Jesus’ Victory Over Death
Since the children have flesh and blood, Jesus shared in their humanity so that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). This victory over death and the devil is central to Jesus’ redemptive work.
Help for Abraham’s Descendants
The author notes that it is not angels Jesus helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason, He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people (Hebrews 2:16-17). Jesus’ identification with humanity qualifies Him to be the perfect mediator and high priest.
Jesus’ Empathy
Because He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Jesus’ empathy and ability to help believers in their struggles is a source of comfort and encouragement.
Conclusion: Significance and Relevance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Hebrews 2 is profoundly connected to Jesus Christ as it emphasizes His incarnation, suffering, death, and role as the High Priest. The chapter highlights the necessity of Jesus’ humanity for His redemptive work, His victory over death and the devil, and His empathetic role as a helper to believers. Jesus’ shared humanity and His ultimate exaltation underscore His unique qualifications as Savior and High Priest.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter demonstrates God’s love by highlighting the lengths to which He went to secure salvation for humanity. By sending His Son to share in our humanity, suffer, and die, God provided a way to break the power of death and free humanity from the fear of death. The empathetic and supportive role of Jesus further showcases God’s love and care for His people.
Contemporary Relevance
Hebrews 2 remains profoundly relevant today as it addresses the core issues of salvation, suffering, and the fear of death. The warning against neglecting salvation serves as a timely reminder for believers to remain vigilant and committed to the gospel message. The emphasis on Jesus’ solidarity with humanity provides comfort and encouragement for those facing trials and temptations.
The chapter’s focus on Jesus’ victory over death and the devil offers hope and assurance to believers, affirming that through Jesus, they have been freed from the fear of death. The role of Jesus as a merciful and faithful high priest underscores the availability of His help and support in times of need.
Through its focus on the incarnation, suffering, and victory of Jesus, Hebrews 2 equips believers to understand and appreciate the depth of God’s love and the completeness of Jesus’ redemptive work. It calls for a response of faith, vigilance, and reliance on Jesus, the empathetic High Priest, who is able to help and sustain His people through all their trials.