In this summary of Hebrews chapter 2, we will take a deep dive into what all this means and all that was restored through Christ’s sufferings.
Have you considered all the vast implications of Christ putting on humanity?
Sure. We know that He came to save us from our sins. But what else did He accomplish through his life, death, and resurrection?
What is the Main Point of Hebrews Chapter 2
In Hebrews chapter 1 we looked at how Jesus was better than the angels. Now, in the first few verses of chapter 2, we see why this truth is so crucial in God’s grand design and plan for salvation.
Hebrews 2:1-3 – The Message Declared by Angels
For this reason, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every violation and act of disobedience received a just punishment, 3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? NASB
Word Studies:
- Pay attention: G4337 – Prosecho – to hold the mind towards; apply oneself to; be given to
- Drift: G 3901 – Pararreo – slips from the mind
The verb “pay attention” is in the present tense. This means that it’s something we must continue to walk in. We don’t just listen once. We need to “hold our minds towards what God has spoken and apply ourselves to it every single day. Otherwise, we will drift away from it.
Much of what was spoken through the prophets was delivered through angels.
Why the Law then? It was added on account of the violations, having been ordered through angels at the hand of a mediator, until the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. Galatians 3:19
The author of Hebrews is warning his readers to listen to what God has spoken through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). If the word ordered through angels has proven to be true and unchanging, we must listen to the word God has spoken in His Son.
Why?
Because the Son is better than the angels.
Hebrews 2:3-4
After it was at first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will. – Hebrews 2:3b-4
Here is where we learn a piece of important info about the author of Hebrews. Some scholars believe that Paul was the author of Hebrews. Others do not because this verse reveals that the author was not a first-generation Christian. He heard the message second-hand from someone who had heard it from the Lord.
We learn in Acts 9 that Jesus appeared to Saul on the road to Damascus, making Him an eyewitness.
We also learn in the following verses that this Word from God, this message of salvation, was testified by signs and wonders. The author of Hebrew is saying that there is abundant evidence of this truth.
Hebrews 2:5-8
For He did not subject to angels the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But someone has testified somewhere, saying, “What is man, that You think of him? Or a son of man, that You are concerned about him? You have made him for a little while lower than angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor; You have put everything in subjection under his feet.” For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.
It can be confusing when scripture refers to “the son of man” because sometimes it means Jesus, while other times it’s referring to someone else. If we continue to read through verse 9, we see that the “him” in this verse is not the same as in verses 5-8.
If we read Genesis 1:26-28, it helps us understand that this passage in Hebrews 2 is referring to mankind.
The author is saying that God’s original plan was for man to rule the earth. But, because of sin, Satan took over. (Genesis 3:16-19, Romans 5:12, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 6:12)
God has redeemed us back to Himself through Christ. While the world is still under subjection to Satan and his rule and powers, those of us who are sealed with the Spirit no longer have to live under his rule. We have been seated with Christ in heavenly places, far above all rule and authority.
Scripture promises that one day Christ will rule and reign in the earth. (Revelation 20:4-6)
Hebrews 2:9-16 – Made Like His Brethren
Here we see the author connect Jesus to mankind in a very important way.
9 But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of His suffering death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the originator of their salvation through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for this reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, 12 saying, “I will proclaim Your name to My brothers, In the midst of the assembly I will sing Your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put My trust in Him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.”
We learn from Romans 5:14-19 that man lost dominion over the earth through the sin of Adam, and through this one man’s sin, death entered the world. Death now reigned over mankind.
In order for Jesus to regain this dominion, He had to conquer that which held mankind captive. Jesus defeated the evil power and rule that Adam brought into the world – sin and death.
God gave man dominion over the earth, but man forfeited his power (not his right or authority) to take that dominion through sin, and the principle of death took away the power to rule. But Jesus came and through His humility and suffering He defeated the power of death and made possible the fulfillment of God’s promise that humans will have dominion over the earth – fulfilled both through Jesus’ own dominion, and the rule of believers with Him. – David Guzik, Hebrews Chapter 2 Commentary
Verse 14 goes on to say…
14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, so that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. 16 For clearly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendants of Abraham.
Jesus has defeated the power that held mankind, along with God’s creation, captive under its power. We no longer have to live under the power of death or even the fear of death.
Hebrews 2:17-18
17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brothers so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
This passage tells us that Jesus became like us so that He could make propitiation. The original meaning for this word means to atone or reconcile.
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:21
knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. – 1 Peter 1:18-19
Jesus put on flesh not only to redeem the authority mankind lost in the fall, but also to make a way for mankind to be placed back into a right relationship with God.
Related Posts and Resources: