Hebrews 2

Hebrews 2 continues the message of Christ's superiority, this time emphasizing the importance of paying attention to His message. The chapter warns against neglecting the salvation offered through Christ, who, though made lower than angels for a time, now reigns supreme. It also highlights His humanity, explaining how His suffering and death were necessary for Him to fulfill His role as the Savior.

Hebrews 2:1 (NKJV)
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

We are encouraged to pay close attention to the message of salvation that we have received through Christ, to avoid gradually drifting away from the truth. Just as a boat can drift if not anchored, our faith can weaken if we are not careful and diligent in holding fast to what we know.

Hebrews 2:2-3 (NKJV)
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him?

The law given through angels was firm, and violations were punished justly. If that is true for the old covenant, the consequences of neglecting the greater salvation announced by Jesus and confirmed by eyewitnesses are far more severe. The passage stresses the urgency and magnitude of the salvation Christ offers, which cannot be ignored without consequence.

Hebrews 2:4 (NKJV)
God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

God Himself confirmed the message of salvation through supernatural signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit. These divine acts authenticated the truth of the Gospel and its messengers, showing that the salvation announced by Christ is divinely approved and should be heeded.

Hebrews 2:5 (NKJV)
For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.

The future world, the one being spoken of in terms of salvation and restoration, is not subject to angels but to Christ. This points to the ultimate reign of Christ over all things, including the new creation, highlighting His authority far above that of angels.

Hebrews 2:6-8 (NKJV)
But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him.

The writer quotes Psalm 8 to show the exalted position of humanity in God’s plan. Although humans were made lower than the angels, they are destined for glory and dominion. While this is not yet fully realized, the ultimate fulfillment is seen in Jesus, who embodies the future dominion over all creation.

Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Jesus was temporarily made lower than the angels when He became human, experiencing suffering and death. Yet, through His death, He was crowned with glory and honor. His death was not in vain but was part of God's plan of grace, enabling Him to taste death on behalf of all humanity, offering salvation to all.

Hebrews 2:10 (NKJV)
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

It was appropriate for God, who created and sustains everything, to make Jesus, the pioneer of salvation, perfect through His suffering. Through suffering, Jesus was able to fully accomplish His mission of bringing many to glory, demonstrating both His humanity and His divine role as the Savior.

Hebrews 2:11-12 (NKJV)
For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."

Jesus, the one who sanctifies, and believers, who are being sanctified, share a common humanity. Because of this shared nature, Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. The quote from the Psalms shows Jesus identifying with humanity, standing in their midst, and offering praise to God alongside them.

Hebrews 2:13 (NKJV)
And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."

These Old Testament quotes highlight Jesus’ solidarity with those who trust in God. Just as Jesus expressed trust in the Father, believers, as His "children," are likewise called to trust in God. Jesus leads the way, showing dependence on the Father and gathering those given to Him by God.

Hebrews 2:14-15 (NKJV)
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Since humanity is made of flesh and blood, Jesus became flesh and blood as well. By dying, He was able to defeat the devil, who holds the power of death. Jesus’ victory over death liberates people from the fear of death, which has kept them enslaved throughout their lives.

Hebrews 2:16 (NKJV)
For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

Jesus did not come to save angels, but rather, He came to help the descendants of Abraham—human beings. This highlights the special focus of Christ’s salvation, which is directed toward mankind, not the angelic beings.

Hebrews 2:17 (NKJV)
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

To serve as a merciful and faithful High Priest, Jesus had to be made like His brothers and sisters in every way. By sharing in their humanity, He could offer a true and effective sacrifice to atone for their sins, reconciling them to God.

Hebrews 2:18 (NKJV)
For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Since Jesus Himself experienced suffering and temptation, He is uniquely qualified to help those who are being tempted. His personal experience of human weakness enables Him to sympathize with and support believers in their struggles.