Serve Jesus--He Did So Much For You

Read Hebrews 2:5-18
Title in NIV: Jesus' death brought salvation.

Can you imagine living in Jesus' time and seeing the miraculous events taking place when Jesus was crucified and resurrected? Oh, wait, we have read all about the events and we know the story. These people did not know the story. They did not have a book about Jesus and his salvation they could pull off a shelf and read. The evidence came from the apostles and men who wrote letters like Hebrews. We think how silly they were not to believe, but we forget how different living by faith was vs. living by the law.  Even if they were there and saw the curtain torn, and saw the tomb empty, they probably would not have know what those extraordinary events meant. They needed people like the writer of Hebrews to explain what Jesus' death meant and that he ushered in a new way to live--by faith. The bible says that the apostles remembered the words Jesus spoke AFTER he was crucified (vs.Luke 24:8, John 2:22).

The writer of Hebrews is trying to transfer their mindset from the old to the new covenant. In these verses, the writer is trying to get people to understand that angels are not 'where it's at', but that Jesus is more important, more powerful and holds their salvation. He tells them that God gave the world to be subject to Jesus.  To be subject to something means to be under the authority or control of another, also owing allegiance to that something (thanks Webster). So the people needed to understand that Jesus had authority and control of the world  (not angels, not Satan) whether they gave him allegiance or not was their choice.

Verse 7 and 9 talks about making Jesus a little lower than the angels.  I sense a problem with possible angel worship, don't you? It still happens today (I see people praying to the Archangel Michael and others for strength).  Why did Jesus have to become 'lower than the angels?"  Hebrews can answer that question (I like scripture proving scripture). Chapter 2:17-18 says, "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers 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. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." Also Hebrews 5:2 says, "He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness."  Hebrews 4:15 says, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are..."

Verse 9 says Jesus tasted death for everyone (but overcame). I believe this is the second death talked about in Revelation that Jesus tasted. All will taste the first death from this earth, (Jesus did too) but it is our choice if we taste the second death or not. If we follow Jesus, know him as our personal Savior and obey him and his examples, I believe we will not see the second death which is the death into the eternal fire (Revelation 2:11 and Revelation 20:6).

Verse 11 says Jesus is the author of our Salvation and he is made perfect through suffering. His suffering covered our sins and therefore many sons can be brought to glory.  Romans 8:17 tells us to share in his [Jesus] suffering so we can also share in his glory. My challenge to you is to examine yourself and decide if you are really suffering for the sake of Jesus. If not, pray and decide how you can.

Finally, I love verse 14 that says Jesus destroyed him who holds the power of death-- that is, the devil -- and frees those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

I'm glad I know the 'rest of the story' as Paul Harvey used to say. I can read all about the miraculous events that happened and most of all I can read about their significance---something the people in Jesus' time did not have access to (unless an apostle lived at their house). We know all about salvation. We know who wins. Choose this day whom you will serve.