Hebrews says that Jesus adopted our human nature so that He could represent us and could die for us (Hebrews 2:9, Hebrews 2:14-16; Hebrews 10:5-10). Here is the foundation of the plan of salvation and our only hope for eternal life.

Read Matthew 16:17, Galatians 1:16, 1 Corinthians 15:50, and Ephesians 6:12. To what deficiencies of human nature do these passages relate the expression “flesh and blood”?

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The expression “flesh and blood” emphasizes the frailty of the human condition, its weakness (Ephesians 6:12), lack of understanding (Matthew 16:17, Galatians 1:16), and subjection to death (1 Corinthians 15:50). Hebrews says that Jesus was made like His brothers “in all things” (Hebrews 2:17). This expression means that Jesus became fully human (NIV). Jesus did not simply “look like” or “seem to be” human; He truly was human, truly one of us.

Hebrews also says, however, that Jesus was different from us regarding sin. First, Jesus did not commit any sin (Hebrews 4:15). Secondly, Jesus had a human nature that was “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26, ESV). We all have sinned, and we all have evil tendencies. Our bondage to sin begins deep inside our own very nature. We are “carnal, sold under sin” (Romans 7:14; see also Romans 7:15-20). Pride and other sinful motivations often taint even our good actions. Jesus’ nature, however, was not marred by sin. It had to be this way. If Jesus had been “carnal, sold under sin,” like us, He would have also needed a Savior. Instead, Jesus came as a Savior and offered Himself as a sacrifice “without blemish” to God for us (Hebrews 7:26-28, Hebrews 9:14, ESV).

Then Jesus destroyed the power of the devil by dying as the sinless offering for our sins, thus making possible our forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Hebrews 2:14-17). Jesus also broke the power of sin by giving us the power to live a righteous life through His fulfillment of the new covenant promise to write the law in our hearts (Hebrews 8:10). Thus, Jesus has defeated the enemy and effectively liberated us so that we can now “serve the living God” (Hebrews 9:14). Satan’s final destruction, meanwhile, will come at the final judgment (Revelation 20:1-3, Revelation 20:10).

<–Monday Wednesday–>

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Hebrews says that Jesus was not ashamed to call us His brethren (Hebrews 2:11). Despite being one with God, Jesus embraced us as part of His family. This solidarity contrasts with the public shaming that the readers of Hebrews suffered in their communities (Hebrews 10:33).

Read Hebrews 11:24-26. In what way do Moses’ decisions exemplify what Jesus did for us?

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Have you imagined what it meant for Moses to be called “the son of Pharaoh’s daughter”? He was a powerful figure in the most powerful empire of the time. He received the highest civil and military training and became a remarkable character. Stephen says that Moses was “mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22). Ellen G. White also says that he was “a favorite with the armies of Egypt” and that Pharaoh “determined to make his adopted grandson his successor on the throne” (see  Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 245). Yet, Moses abandoned all of this privilege when he chose to identify himself with the Israelites, a slave nation without education and power.

Read Matthew 10:32-33; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:12; Hebrews 13:12-15. What does God ask from us?

This was part of the problem for the readers of Hebrews. After suffering persecution and rejection, many of them began to feel ashamed of Jesus. By their actions some were in danger of putting Jesus “to an open shame” instead of honoring Him (Hebrews 6:6). Thus, Paul constantly calls the readers to “hold fast” the “confession” of their faith (Hebrews 4:14, Hebrews 10:23, NKJV).

God wants us to recognize Jesus as our God and our brother. As our Redeemer, Jesus has paid our debt; as our brother, Jesus has shown us the way that we should live in order that we will “be conformed to the image of his Son, [so] that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).

<–Sunday Tuesday–>

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