In our study of the letter of Hebrews, we learned that it was written primarily to Jewish people who were hearing the gospel and coming to faith in Jesus Christ. However, as the gospel message took root in their lives, various pressures and problems began to threaten the growth of these early believers. Some faced growing pressure from family to renounce their faith and others faced persecution from the government causing them to turn back from their faith.
In chapter two we see another problem hindering the progress of these believers. The author's statement in Hebrews 2:9 exposes the problem. He writes, “but we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”
With this statement, the author uncovers the fact that because Jesus came to the earth as a human being (though fully God) his humanity somehow made him inferior to the angels.
We have learned that the Jews revered angels for many reasons. One was that they aided God in bringing the Law of Moses. Also, angels were present in the deliverance of their ancestors from slavery in Egypt. We might say that angels were like superheroes to the Jews.
Warren Wiersbe says, “The fact that angels are ministering spirits without human bodies would seem to give them an advantage over Jesus Christ who had a human body while He ministered on earth.”
We can imagine, that the belief that angels were superior to Jesus caused some to drift from their faith when difficulties came or when persecution intensified.
The core of the problem was the desire for Jesus to fit their idea of a messiah rather than God’s idea. The author wanted his audience to understand that Jesus’ humanity did not make him inferior to angels, it made him a superior and suitable savior.
The author argued that although Jesus was briefly humbled, he would be eternally glorified.
Vs.9b “Because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor.”
This portion of Hebrews reminds us to resist the urge to make Jesus into what we want him to be and instead be willing to identify with who he is. The apostle Paul makes this point in 2 Timothy 2: 11-14, "It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; 12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; 13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."
One way to understand the challenges faced by these Hebrew believers is to recognize that they were turning away from Christ due to their failure to grasp His superiority. The author emphasizes several reasons why Jesus' temporary humility was not a sign of inferiority but a means of salvation for humanity. As we deepen our understanding of these reasons, we learn to love Jesus more.
Reason #1: His humanity enabled Him to regain man’s lost dominion.
Read Heb. 2:6-9: "But one has testified somewhere, saying, 'What is man, that You remember him? Or the son of man, that You are concerned about him? 7 'You have made him for a little while lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And have appointed him over the works of Your hands; 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.' For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him."
When God created the first man and woman, he gave them dominion over his creation (see Genesis 1:26). "Man was created a little lower than the angels and therefore inferior to them, but man was given privileges far higher than the angels. For example, God never promised the angels that they would reign in the world to come. (Hebrews 2:5).
When Adam and Eve disobeyed God they fell from grace and forfeited their dominion.
One reason Jesus took on flesh was to restore the dominion that was lost because of sin. When our Lord was here on earth, he exercised dominion. We see an example of that in his power over the wind and the waves (Matthew 8:27). The Apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:20-23 that Jesus in now seated at the right hand of the Father the position of authority…far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.
But now we see the full mystery that man’s lost dominion is restored through the finished work of Christ. Read Hebrews 2:6-8 and then include verse 9 again.
Reason #2: His humanity enabled Him to bring many sons to glory.
"For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying, 'I will proclaim Your name to My brethren, In the midst of the congregation I will sing Your praise.' 13 And again, 'I will put My trust in Him.' And again, 'Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.'" – Hebrews 2:10-13
This phrase “the author” of salvation can be translated as captain. It means, a pioneer or one who opens the way for others to follow. In other words, Jesus gave up his glory for a time to taste death for us all.
Now he shares that glory with all who trust him for salvation. (John 17: 22-24).
He is bringing many sons and daughters to glory.
“Jesus could not have become an adequate savior and high priest had he not become a man who suffered, died, and rose again.” – Warren Wiersbe
Today we can rejoice in the fact that our savior allowed himself to be briefly humbled to secure our salvation and rest in the joy of the Lord that is our strength.
Until next time, stay strong in the Lord!
Pastor Bob
About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.
Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.
Comments