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14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death, 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

 

There is so much going on in this scripture in Hebrews. Where to begin? First, the writer talks about the incarnation of Jesus where God became human, embodying both full divinity and full humanity to reveal God’s love and to understand the human experience. (What a mind-blowing concept to wrap our heads around.) And he did this not for his glory, but to understand what you and I are going through, the good, the bad and the ugly. Have you ever had a friend going through a tragedy and while you can empathize with them you really can’t understand exactly what they are experiencing? And goodness knows we don’t really want to go through their pain and suffering. But not God. He sends Jesus to experience it all. And even after he experiences humanity, he is still willing to go to the cross to provide salvation and redemption for us through His life death and resurrection!

Have you ever known someone who has wanted to support their friends and family and shaved their head as their loved one was losing their hair due to treatments or those that said take my kidney when you need one? What amazing courage and love that must take to make this sacrifice. Jesus makes the ultimate sacrifice and gives us the gift of conquering death, thus opening salvation to us.

And if all that is not enough the writer goes on to call us brothers and sisters of Jesus. Jesus who resists all temptation, faces ridicule, humiliation, unbelievable pain wants us to be his brothers and sisters! And he did this so that he would be able to be fully present with us in our struggles and suffering. What a blessing to know that Jesus is always with us in our pain and that we are never alone.

Dear Father, How Great Thou Art, That you love us enough to sacrifice your Son for us. Help us to sing your praises and build our relationship with you as a sister or brother of Jesus.

Sharon Rhodes

sharonrhodes76@hotmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For all who are suffering, that they might call on the name of Jesus for comfort.

Additional scriptures: Luke 2: 22-40, Malachi 3: 1-4, Palm 84