The author begins the chapter with the word "So" (or possibly "therefore" or some other transitional word). These next few verses (vv 1-4) are actually referring back to chapter 1-- the superiority and divinity of Christ. We are admonished, now that we know Christ is superior to the angels, to listen to the teachings we have been given! Due to Jesus' superiority- we must give great heed to the words we are taught from Jesus. That's similar to everyday life for us- we pay more attention to the words of people that hold higher status in our life than those that hold lower status (generally). The author boldly says that if we don't pay attention to the words of salvation- we will be punished! That punishment (I assume) is descending to hell and not spending eternity with Christ. The reference to the teachings coming from the angels (v 2) refers back to Moses and the way he received the laws (not the 10 commandments though). Jewish belief is that angels delivered the Mosaic laws to Moses. Note the word use in V 3 regarding the teachings of Christ..."was proven true by us who heard him" (or some variation of that). This is an indication that it was a first generation Christian that is writing (rather than someone like Paul). Does it matter who wrote Hebrews?
Chapter 1 brilliantly "proves" Christ divinity and superiority to the angels; chapter 2 will "prove: Christ's humanity.
The author starts with referencing humans as slightly lower than the angels and that we have control over everything (see also Genesis 1:28). So two points to draw out: How does it feel that we are slightly lower status than the angels? How are we doing with respect to the comment that we are in control over everything-- care of other people, family responsibilities, political responsibilities, environmental care (the list could continue)?
The point of the argument is now coming (v 9)- even though Jesus is divine (chapter 1), Jesus was made human too. Salvation, the sting of death, sin, were all removed by moving Jesus to a position "slightly lower than the angels" (i.e. human!) Part of humanity is the finality of our life- and Jesus died as human (v 9b). The saving grace is that Jesus' divinity allowed for resurrection and the overcoming of the power of death!
God's care for us is identified in v 10. The author says that God wanted many people to share in glory and salvation, and the only way to do this was to have God's son, Jesus, die for us all. Jesus, if we follow, will lead us to that salvation and that eternal life. Jesus, while being both divine and human, is familiar enough with us to call us brother or sister (v 11). I love this verse! My translation says: "Jesus is not ashamed to call them (us) brothers and sisters." How does that make you feel, knowing that Jesus calls you brother or sister? How does that make you feel about your earthly brothers and sisters?
More indications that he author is not Paul (v 12a) as the author says, "I will tell my fellow Israelites..." (Paul was Roman).
For the "older brother" to redeem the family, Jesus had to become human; in order to free the captives, you have to go to the prison (v 14). The only way Jesus could free us from our sins and our deaths was to be one of us. Continuing, the author is saying that Jesus destroyed Satan's "right" to rule over us (that was gained in Eden). When Adam and Eve disobeyed God, Satan was allowed to gain "control"; this control was relinquished when Jesus (God) came as human. Imagine the God that would do this for God's people!
In v 16, the author references"the people who are from Abraham" (or some translations may say something like "the seed of Abraham"). The people who are from Abraham means the people of faith . So, now v 16 can be translated as...Jesus didn't come to save the angels, Jesus came to save the people that have faith in Jesus. If Jesus was like us (v 17), then Jesus could relate to our problems, know our worries, understand our temptations, feel our pains. Knowing those things, Jesus could then relate to God who we were and forgive us. Jesus was the intercessory between humanity and God...we still have that intercessory today through Christ. When God added humanity to Jesus' divinity, Jesus (God) now understand humanity completely. It is difficult to understand completely from looking on the outside, you must be completely immersed in a situation/culture to know them intimately. When ethnologists and anthropologists want to learn about a culture, they can do it best by becoming totally immersed in the culture and participate in their daily routines, rituals, activities, etc. This is what Jesus did for God. How does it feel to you that God cared so much about us that Jesus was sent to become totally immersed in our life?
I loved this chapter explaining the humanity of Christ- yet also including Jesus' divinity. It was a tough read, but it felt good to me!
Snow or no snow, that is the question!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
I must admit that this chapter had some confusing verses. I had to reread some - and the explanation in my Bible - several times. It is pretty cool that both Paul and the author of Hebrew make the same point - Jesus could have come as anything but came as a human! Even less then the angels which He, Jesus, would rule over upon his death. And both Paul and this author stress that it was extremely important that Jesus did come as a human! You said, Pastor, "The author boldly says that if we don't pay attention to the words of salvation- we will be punished! That punishment (I assume) is descending to hell and not spending eternity with Christ." - which I understand, but vs. 2 also says, in my translation, "if the word spoken by angels was steadfast and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward." So if we are punished in a certain way for not heeding Jesus' words, does that mean that we are also punished if we do not heed the words of the angels? Or is the author trying to convince his "audience" that if they believe the one they should believe the other? I think that vs. 3 does confirm that Paul is not the author. Paul always maintained that he was made an apostle direct from Jesus. Paul never mentioned that the words spoken by the Lord came to him through others who heard Jesus direct. I don't Paul would say that. To me, I think it is kindof important that we know the author of Hebrew because I would like to think that I am reading something from someone who has some sortof knowledge and not someone's interpretation, if you know what I mean. I think, being made God's "keepers" of all creation here on earth is something I often forget - being caught up in my own life and my own little corner of the world. Something I hope to keep remembering! Sweet we are Jesus' sibling, but, yet, in some way His child. It's hard to imagine a God that is omnipotent would not already know everything about our lives, thoughts, traditions without having to send Jesus to immerse himself into the Jewish culture. However, I think this shows that the author feels we do have free will. And because we can make a choice to be under God's influence or Satan's, Jesus was sent to experience and save us. From ourselves? Probably. Vs. 18 in my Bible says " For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Again, showing that the author felt that Jesus had to experience what we are going through. I actually like reading this Book so far!!!
ReplyDeleteI think the angles are there to teach us also....see v2 in NCV..."the teaching God spoke through the angels was shown to be true..." so I am assuming that the angels' teachings are just as important as Jesus' teachings?
DeleteWith respect to your comment about the author--when the canon was developed, the (New Testament) texts had to go through four "steps" to be approved: "First, each book was written by an apostle or one closely associated with an apostle. Second, the contents of these books were revelatory in nature. Third, these books were universally recognized by the church in their teaching and preaching ministry. Fourth, these books were considered inspired because they bore the marks of inspiration." (From https://www.biblesprout.com/articles/bible/canon-books/). I understand what you're saying though!
There is some indication of free will in these verses...and we always choose correctly- right?!
This is some good reading!
Thanks for the commentary Donna!
We of course are in control of most things in our life I believe that is way we get frustrated sometimes over the things we cannot control. For me it is comforting that Jesus references to us as his brothers and sisters. I have only one sibling ... my sister who I am very close to but I have also been blessed with cousins and friends who are family to me.
ReplyDeleteI for one am grateful to god for sending his son to us. I have to admit I never thought about the fact that god could have sent his son in any form. I agree with Donna on the free will part and that it was important for Jesus to come as a human.
I don’t mind the snow. Would like it to be over in March but probably not going to happen.
I a control freak- and I get what you're saying about when things don't go our way!!
DeleteFamily is very important- especially this last year- and to know Jesus is included in this family is very comforting!
Snow...we moved into this house about 19 years ago. In November. It snowed the weekend we moved in and snowed almost every day until May. We never saw the ground that fall! This year may be similar!
Thanks for the comments Cindy!
Sometimes I wonder if I am a very good Christian because I have mixed feelings. I know that this verse says that we will be punished if we are not listening to Jesus and asking for his salvation but I just can't believe that anyone not believing in Christian ways is going to be lost to God's salvation. I think that many religions feel that they are the chosen people and that God will save them and I think they're right. I believe in Christian values but I don't believe that God punishes people who do not believe in Jesus. I'm not sure that I believe in a physical hell. I think that people can be in hell while on earth. That could be when a person feels that they are in a hopeless situation and they don't trust that they can pray, tell God how they feel and believe that they will receive guidance or strength, or when for whatever reason we can't hear His answer.
ReplyDeleteVerse 18 says "Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested." For those of us who believe that this is the way, we find great comfort and strength. But I think that God gives everyone the opportunity to be saved and I wouldn't presume to know how God interacts with others.
Good introductory point Cathy! Would my God not accept Islamic brothers and sisters or my Jewish brothers and sisters, etc...
DeleteAnd great comment about hell here on earth. I don't know if there is a physical place like you say- I think that hell is anyplace there is the perceived absence of God/Christ/ Holy Spirit. I think a few of us have experienced that separation- I know I have.
Very deep thoughts today Cathy! Thanks!
To me the first couple of verses sound as if the author is speaking to the Jewish people and the Christian Jews who believed in Jesus and the Good News. The punishment part sounds a lot like the OT. The author then goes on to speak of Jesus being born a human(a position lower than the angels) and gave his life to save his children (us)by his breaking the power of death ( a power of Satan) Jesus becoming human could face the trials and sins of humans and make the great sacrifice for us to have eternal life.
ReplyDeleteI hoping that i got the gist of this chapter and what it means. It is great to be called brothers and sisters of Christ . I'm guessing we couldn't have been called that is Jesus had not been born human??
The intended audience is likely Jewish Christians that are possibly moving back to Judaism. And it does sound like the OT/Hebrew God doesn't it!
DeleteRight- the only way Jesus could "break" the power of sin was to become one of us...and so God allowed it. You are getting it Clara! It is some tough but interesting reading!
Good comments! Thanks!
I got confused when I read the Jesus was in a position slightly lower than the angels. This is in direct opposition to what was stated in Chapter 1 were is was said that Christ was higher than the angels. In reading the comments above, I can see that I missed an important part by not comprehending what I was reading. I certainly believe that Jesus was higher than the angels in that He is seated on the right hand of God in Heaven.
ReplyDeleteMy family has dwindled to just my younger brother and I. However, I know that I am not worthy to have Christ as a brother. I have no idea how my brother feels about this as I am not close enough in miles or emotionally to know. Suffice it to say, that I am humbled by Jesus referring to me as his brother. I am not worthy of such praise.
The reference there is that Jesus was human- as we are also slightly lower than the angels. Chapter 1 the author was "proving" Jesus was divine; chapter 2 the author is "proving" Jesus was human.
DeleteHmmm...honestly Jack- nobody is worthy to have Christ as sibling! Separation from family is tough.
Thanks for your thoughts Jack
Rhea had her second dose of the magic vaccine yesterday. She was OK until this AM, and then it hit her. She has been sick all day. It started this morning with perfuse sweating and a rapid pulse. I believe she is feeling better now - she is certainly acting better, but she is still quite ill. We were forewarned about this so I am not alarmed. I hope she will be fetter tomorrow morning.
ReplyDeleteI would like to ask for prayers for my son Jeff, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Need I say more? He has had some frozen and burst pipes and his power has been very sporadic. His family, including their tiny dog and their bird, are at Jeff's in-laws, who have have power all through this debacle. Jeff has been holding down the fort with his larger 2 dogs and their 4 cats. It is a good thing he was home when the pipes let go or he would have had a lot of damage. I pray that this ends for them soon.
Second doses are usually tougher than first...ugh...
DeleteThis Texas mess is crazy! I will be sure to keep him in thoughts and prayers
Yes we should pay more attention, believe and have more faith love one another. We know God died for our sins, still helps us. Makes me feel very humble and disrespectful, will try to be better. It sounds easy but we make it so hard.
ReplyDeleteIt does sound easy to be better- doesn't it- but it is hard!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments RoseMarie!