Articles
Hebrews: Christ the Liberator
Adult Bible Classes April 10 & 13 - Hebrews 2:5 - 3:19
"Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." Hebrews 2:14-15
As we move past the introduction to this letter into the meat of the discussion, God through the divinely-inspired author continues to build the case that Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of God's plan to reconcile sinful humanity to Himself. In transitioning from proving Christ's divinity, there is equal support for Christ's humanity. This duality in the Son of God's nature is what makes him our perfect mediator with God (Hebrews 2:8-9).
By experiencing humanity fully and completely, the Word of God was able to put an end to the slavery we are all subject to in this life: the fear of death.
Yes, it's the fear we all experience at some point--the fear of this life, the only life we ever know this side of eternity, coming to an end. But his passion and sacrifice also frees us from the fear of spiritual death: being separated and disconnected from the Source of our lives.
It is only when we are "in Christ" we have this freedom and hope (2 Corinthians 5:17). That's why the author surrounds his explanation of Christ's nature and ministry with warnings and exhortations about holding fast to this "apostle and high priest of our confession;" should we fall away due to deceitful sin or an evil, unbelieving heart, we have no hope outside of him.
But in him? We have a loving brother (Hebrews 2:11-13). We have an ever-present help when we are tempted to rebel against God (Hebrews 2:18). We have a faithful son over the house of God (1 Timothy 3:15) who serves as our head and ultimate leadership (Hebrews 3:6).
He liberates us from the things that break us and ruin us, instead restoring us to a harmonious relationship with our Abba, our Father.
Why wouldn't we hold fast to that?
As we prepare for class this coming week, consider these thought questions. We invite anyone and everyone to come and participate in our study!
- Is Hebrews 2:5-8 discussing Jesus Christ or humanity?
- Why is Jesus worthy of more glory than Moses? Why is this point relevant for the first readers of the letter?
- How can we apply Hebrews 3:13? What are some practical ways we can "exhort one another every day" in an effort to keep each others' hearts tender and soft to our God and each other?
