Read
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.