Hebrews 2:5-18. "Made Human to Save"

Read Hebrews 2:5-18.

"Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death -- that is, the devil -- and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." NIV

What a beautiful passage describing the power of Christ and His submission to a human life. He suffered so much for us so we would no longer live in fear. His authority is established by everything being put "under his feet." And then His humility comes through lowering Himself to the level of His Creation.

I find the passage "In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering." very interesting. By Christ lowering himself to our level, He not only became our high priest of atonement, but a brother to all mankind. We are children together. Very hard for my human mind to wrap itself around this thought. But I am so thankful and humbled that I am loved that much. I just pray that I can share a small portion of that love to those around me. What amazing grace.

And because Jesus could not sin, his connection to our humanity is that He suffered in temptation just like we do. We are not alone; He truly knows our struggles and provides a way out.

Further Thoughts:

1. Does the fact that Christ became like us humble you or make you arrogant?
2. Based on Christ's actions and our place in eternity, how should we relate to those around us who have not accepted the Truth?
3. We are all still messed up beings. So what has changed?

1 John 2:28-3:10 "A True Heart Set On Love"

Read 1 John 2:28-3:10.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" NIV

This passage is a "Therefore" section of the book up to this point. We have been taught by the Word and walk in His light. If we do not walk as Christ walked, we are not of Him and need to confess. How did Jesus walk? - in love toward all men. He did not love the world, nor the things in it, but loved people. He lived out the Truth and now that Truth lives in us and we should never listen to anyone who says otherwise.

Therefore, the Father has lavished His love on us to make us His children, and we now are to live lives of purity for Him. Do we do that through totally sinless lives? No. We will all sin, but what separates the Truth-follower from those who play church is whether you occasionally succumb to temptation or you continually seek out sin. If you are seeking it, Christ cannot be in you because He does not dwell in the hearts of those who do not desire what He desires. Living in complete 180 degree contrast to the character of Christ just displays a self-gratifying, self-loving value and does not fall in line with the "right" of Christ.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished upon us...." And I want to lavish my love on Him with my life.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is a biblical definition of love?
   
2. Do you desire sin and actively pursue it? Why? Do you truly want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
   
3. Look up passages where Jesus addresses sin and it's desires.
   
4. Listen to this amazing song about God's lavishing love.