3.2. HIS HUMILIATION INCUMBENT TO OUR NEEDS (Hebrews 2:10-13)

Hebrews 2:10 "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings." (NKJV)

"Fitting" that Jesus should suffer:-

	Because the cross was in keeping with God's love (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5 )
	Because the cross reveals the character of God (Romans 3:23-26 )
	Because the cross exhibits the wisdom and holiness of God (Colossians 2:3; 1 John 1:5 )
	Because through the cross God has many sons brought to Him (John 1:12-15 )

NIV Study Bible: "His incarnation was completed (perfected) when He experienced suffering. He identified with us on the deepest level of anguish, and so became qualified to pay the price for our sinful imperfection and become our sympathetic High Priest."

"Captain" (Hebrews 2:10 ) "Author" (NIV) 'archegos' also means founder, leader, chief, first prince (Hebrews 12:2; Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31 ). Having been crowned with glory and honour because of the finished work for sinners in His suffering and death - He as the Leader of the human sons the Father would bring to glory, is their forerunner, as the first man up in the glory, the culmination of His great salvation is -

Hebrews 2:10 "... in bringing many sons unto glory, ..." (KJV)

Our destiny is to be like Him and with Him where He is (1 John 3:2; Colossians 3:4; John 17:24 ). The humiliation of Jesus was essential to the salvation and fulfilment of their destiny intended by God. This great truth was taught by Jesus:

John 12:24 ""Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain." (NKJV)

What was fitting for Him, the planned suffering, fits us to be members of God's family.

Hebrews 2:11 "... He is not ashamed to call them brethren," (KJV)

An example of this is taken from Psalm 22:22. They are the thoughts and words of the suffering Christ, and further quotes are made from Psalm 18:2 and Isaiah 8:18. He was indeed partaker of our flesh and blood (Hebrews 2:14 ), and it is love beyond that of a brother that provided for us to be in His family.

3.3. HIS HUMILIATION INSTRUMENTAL IN OUR PROVISION (Hebrews 2:14-18)

Hebrews 2:14,15 "... that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. " (KJV)

Jesus broke the power of Satan - whose power is sin. Because of sin man fears death, knowing that to die means eternal punishment. Jesus suffered the penalty for sin - not His own, for He had none, but ours. To those united to Christ by faith the termination of physical life is no longer a penalty for sin - it is rather an entrance to a new and glorious life with Christ, which is far better (Philippians 1:23 ). Till Jesus comes again death has become a gift of His grace (1 Corinthians 3:21-23 ). It has indeed become among the "all things." That "all" is yours in Christ.

Hebrews 2:16 "For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham." (NKJV)

It was not to help angels that Christ became man and died, but to help "the seed of Abraham" The seed of Abraham are all those who by faith willingly receive Jesus as their Saviour and Lord (Galatians 3:7 ). Such know in their experience the dominion over sin, Satan and death.

Hebrews 2:17 "Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, ..." (NKJV)

Hebrews 2:18 "For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (NKJV)

Jesus, by His perfect sacrifice removes sin and restores right relationship with God (Hebrews 2:17 ). True experience of man's temptation gives assurance that we come to a High Priest who feels with us - and is able to give real aid. He was victorious and can give us His victory. The sympathising conqueror is on the side of those who come to Him. These verses which bring the High Priesthood of Jesus before us, will receive lengthy attention in this Epistle. Jesus, ascended High Priest, enables us to overcome as He did. We shall attain our destiny through Him.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. Why was it fitting that Jesus should suffer (Hebrews 2:10 )? What was the purpose and how have you benefited?

2. Before knowing Jesus were you in fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15 )? Why is this now a past bondage for you?

3. Why are you called the seed of Abraham (Hebrews 2:16; Galatians 3:7 )?

4. What assures you that Jesus is truly your sympathising High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18 )?