Since man would be ruling in the future millennial kingdom, Jesus Christ was seeking to prepare them for this time; however, first He had to identify with them redeeming them from the penalty of sin (2:10-11). Although Jesus was humiliated and suffered on the cross, God knew that it was necessary in order for redemption to take place and ultimately for man to be glorified in the kingdom. The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to know that Jesus had done everything to understand how they felt and to pay the price for their sin. Using Psalm 22:2, the writer informed the believers that Jesus now called them brethren indicating that they were His brothers and sisters (2:12-13). Through Jesus’ sufferings on the cross He was able “to destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” The writer goes on to say that Jesus’ death released “those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Simply put…Jesus’ death paid the penalty that man owed, which was death and slavery to sin. Jesus took the punishment for man’s sin so that mankind could experience a relationship with God through the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus’ sufferings and death brought help to man (2:16) proving that He is merciful and faithful (2:17). In aiding man, Jesus subjected Himself to temptation but never gave into enticement, although now He knows how it feels to be tempted. To me, it means a lot that Jesus was tempted and knows how it feels to be enticed to do evil. Even though He never sinned, He can relate with the pressure we face when confronted with temptation. He is a God who is concerned about man and loves him so much that He desired to put Himself in his place.
Dear God, I know You resisted evil while here on earth. Please provide me with the strength I need to resist evil the way You did.
