3. JESUS ASCENDED FULFILS REDEEMED MAN'S DESTINY (Hebrews 2:5-18)

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

This verse returns to and continues the theme of Christ's superiority to angels. Compare Hebrews 1:14 with 2:5. The teaching of Hebrews 2:5 is that it is to men and not angels, and to Christ, man's representative kinsman - that the coming inhabitable world has been subjected, "the world to come." (Hebrews 2:5 NKJV). "Has in these last days" (Hebrews 1:2 NKJV). Both these statements are to be understood as referring to Messiah's kingdom. The last days are this gospel dispensation culminating in Christ's return. "World to come" is His rule as King of kings. Thus, Jesus is shown to be superior. Then the writer by the Holy Spirit, shows how Christ subjected Himself to the death of the cross, descending to the lowest in order to raise man with Him to highest glory and authority. The importance of the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus for us cannot be stressed enough.

3.1. HIS HUMILIATION IDENTIFIED HIM WITH US (Hebrews 2:6-10)

In the beloved Son the Father could see man as He intended him to be. What God purposed is testified to in Psalm 8:4-6, as quoted by the writer to the Hebrews (Hebrews 2:6-8 ). Notice:

	God is thoughtful of man "You are mindful of him" (Hebrews 2:6 NKJV).
	God is caring towards man "You take care of him" (Hebrews 2:6 NKJV).
	God created man for highest position "a little lower than angels; You have crowned him with glory and honour" (Hebrews 2:7 NKJV).
	God intended man to be His representative here on earth. Jesus perfectly represented the Father - and in Christ, we can.
	God gave man authority over His works.

Hebrews 2:7 "... And set him over the works of Your hands." (NKJV)

To Adam as representing the whole human race, God gave dominion over all the works of His hands (Genesis 1:27-28; 2:19-20 ). In the second Adam Christ, full authority and dignity are restored.

Hebrews 2:8 "You have put all things in subjection under his feet ..." (NKJV)

Only the Second Adam, Jesus, achieved man's true dignity. He alone could say in triumphant accomplishment,

Matthew 28:18 "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." (NKJV)

Hebrews 2:8 "... But now we do not yet see all things put under him." (NKJV)

Adam and his fallen children have failed to possess the dominion God intended for mankind. Man's sin brought him under the penalty of sin which is death, and in subjection to Satan's bondage. Sin has discrowned man by his disowning of God, and by sinful disobedience.

	Jesus came in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7; Romans 8:3 ).
	Jesus tasted death for everyone (Hebrews 2:9 ).
	Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15 ).
	Jesus was sinless (1 Peter 2:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21 ).
	Jesus bore our sins in His own body on the tree (1 Peter 2:24 ).
	Jesus suffered as the just, for the unjust to bring us to God (1 Peter 3:18 ).

Hebrews 2:9 "But we see Jesus, ... crowned with glory and honour; ... " (KJV)

He took man's place a little lower than the angels. The New International Version and The Amplified Bible rightly translate "for a little while lower than the angels". "Little" meaning time rather than position.

"Lower means higher - for us - (Hebrews 2:5-9 ). To sense the force of this argument, simply draw a horizontal line. The writer notes that the realm of humanity has been below the line and that of angels above the line. This is despite the fact that God in creation gave man His own image/likeness and dominion (Genesis 1:26; Psalm 8:4-6 ). So what God did to fulfill His purpose was to send Jesus to live below the line, that in dying He might be lifted far above the line, above even the realm of angels. In being lifted up and crowned with glory and honor, He lifted us too!" L.O Richards Bible Readers Companion. Victor Books

In Jesus we see our ultimate destiny. Being His by redemption, we shall reign with Christ and share His throne (Revelation 3:21; 5:9-10 ). The presence of Jesus as man for man at God's right hand exalted, guarantees that those who are His and follow Him, shall one day be there too!

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In which way did Jesus by His ascension fulfill and assure the destiny of redeemed humanity (Hebrews 2:5-8 )? How did the Lord Jesus identify Himself with you?

2. What is your ultimate destiny in Christ your redeemer (Revelation 3:21; Hebrews 5:9-10 )?