Meditating on Hebrews Day 3: 2:5-18

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2:5 It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. 6 But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? 7 You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor 8 and put everything under their feet.” In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. 9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again he says, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” 14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death — that is, the devil — 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Think

· Why does Jesus wear a crown and what was his victory over?

· Why did Jesus need to become fully human?

· What’s our relationship to Jesus in the passage? How does this give you comfort and encouragement?

Pray

· Think of as many examples of death and decay as you can. This might be difficult and painful. Give thanks to God that they will not be part of “the world to come” because Jesus has conquered death.

· Pray that God would help you to turn to Jesus for help and strength in your suffering and temptation this week.

Today

· Write down one area of suffering or temptation that you are currently experiencing. Now, imagine Jesus wearing the crown having conquered death and sin and then imagine him putting his arm around you as your brother. Write a prayer for this week thanking God that your victorious brother Jesus understands your suffering and temptation and ask for his help in the area you wrote down.

Meditating on Hebrews Day 2: Heb 1:5-2:4

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1:5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” 13 To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

2:1 Therefore, we must pay the most careful attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Think

· Write down one word/phrase to describe or draw a picture that shows how the Son compares with angels. What’s the point of this comparison (hint: look at 2:1)?

· Consider the image of drifting. Why is drifting especially dangerous? Where does drifting lead (hint: look at 2:2)? Are you in danger of drifting?

· Why is Jesus’s message trustworthy?

Pray

· Thank God that Jesus’s message is reliable and trustworthy.

· Pray that you might not drift away from Jesus but pay careful attention to his words.

Today

· Write a list of all the people in your life that you listen to or take advice from. How do they compare to Jesus? What’s one thing you can do this week to make sure you “pay the most careful attention" to Jesus”?

· Is there anyone you know who is in danger of drifting? Share this passage with them this week.

Meditating on Hebrews Day 1: Heb 1:1-4

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1:1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

Think

· List all the reasons why the Son is better than prophets or angels. What do these reasons mean for new claims about God?

· What’s one word that summarises who the Son is?

· If that’s true of Jesus, how do you think you should treat him? Why should this give you confidence in the Christian life?

Pray

· Thank God that you have God’s final and best communication in Jesus.

· Pray that you would not be drawn away from Jesus, but continue trusting in him confidently.

Today

· Try and memorise verse 3 throughout your day:

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”