THEMES
Overarching Theme: Standing firm in the realities of a better covenant
Chapter Two Theme: Appreciating God’s total identification with our humanity
BACKGROUND
In Chapter 1 we saw how the Father speaks of the Son, and how he has spoken to him. Now we will see how the Son has spoken to us, and how we need to register the responsibility this brings. Whereas chapter 1 focuses on the divinity of Jesus, this chapter establishes his humanity. The theme of holding to our faith is never far away.
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Make sure you watch the video covering Hebrews 2 and have a Bible ready in front of you.
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Verses 1-4
The NIV translation of ‘drift away’ in verse 1 is a helpful reminder of the effect of inactivity. ‘So great salvation’ in verse 3 is also a good reminder. The greatness of that salvation was certainly backed up by the experience of the early Church..
Questions
How do these verses begin to emphasise the greater value of what we have received?
What safeguards against drifting away are you already beginning to notice the writer is presenting?
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Verses 5-9
In this section the translators of the NIV have opted to translate Psalm 8:4-6 differently from those who worked on the NKJV. Both translations are theologically viable. The NKJV sees the writer’s quotation from Psalm 8:4-6 as referring to Jesus, whereas the NIV translators, by using ‘their’ and ‘them’ rather than ‘he’ in verse 8, apply it to mankind. Theologically: humanity was ‘lowered’ at the fall, but Jesus was ‘lowered’ at the cross. It is the suffering of Jesus on the cross that redeems us from the fall and raises us to glory.
Questions
How do you understand the fall in the quotation from Psalm 8:4-6?
How do you see the outworking of the cross in the Psalm 8 quotation and the verses that follow it?
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Verses 10-13
Verse 10 picks up on ‘crowned with glory’ from the Psalm 8:5 quotation, applying it to mankind. The main focus in these verses, though, is on Jesus fully identifying with us in his pioneering role. The writer then gives three quotations to show family closeness: Genesis 3:15; Psalm 22:22; Psalm 8:17-18.
Questions
How does the thought of us being ‘brothers and sisters’ to Jesus help you in your day-to-day living?
Do you also find it helps you in your prayer-life and worship?
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Verses 14-18
In these verses the identification argument is strengthened, and emphasis is placed on the way breaking the fear of death frees us from slavery. Christ’s high priestly ministry is introduced, with verse 18 saying that, since Christ suffered when tempted, he can help us when we are tempted.
Questions
What are the different ways in which the fear of death grips people?
As the concept of Christ’s priestly ministry is introduced, what benefits of that ministry mean do you think might apply to you?
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
This chapter has focused particularly on Christ’s identification with us in our humanity, but it also begins to introduce aspects of Christ’s priestly ministry. The writer is continuing to build his case for believers standing firm in their faith.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
As you end your time of study as a group or on your own, focus your thoughts on Christ's identification with us. You may find this prayer of thankfulness helpful.
Father God,
Thank you for sending Jesus to identify with us in our need.
Thank you that even before humanity fell, you had a plan of restoration.
Thank you for lifting us up through Christ’s suffering on the cross.
Thank you for bringing many sons and daughters to glory.
We thank you for our many brothers and sisters around the world.
Strengthen us all in the tests we face in seeking to live wholeheartedly for you.
In Jesus name,
Amen