NT Fire Starters – Day 304: Hebrews 2:1-18

READ: Hebrews 2:1-18

THINK: As chapters 1 and 2 point out, Jesus came to earth as God in human form. He did so to relate, rescue and restore to us the opportunity to know God. And because God devised a way to relate directly to us, we now can relate personally to Him. Because He took our punishment for sin, we can live with His power over sin. Because He is holy, we can be made holy–like Him. This is often an uncomfortable, even painful process. Living a God-honoring life in a God-defying world often brings suffering. But that’s one way we develop Christlike character.

RESPOND: Why must we “pay more careful attention…to what we have heard” (v. 1) regarding the message of Jesus? (See 2:1-3 note.) What can happen if we become careless in our relationship with God? How can you guard against this in your own life? What do you think it means to “ignore such a great salvation” (v. 3), and why is this so serious? In what ways did God confirm His message of salvation to us? (See 2:3 note.) Why is it not fully apparent in the world that everything is under Jesus’ authority? (See 2:8 note.) What does it mean that Christ tasted death for everyone? (See 2:9 note.) To whom is God’s forgiveness available? Who actually receives the benefits of that forgiveness? (See note.) What does it mean that Jesus was made “perfect through suffering” (v. 10)? Does this mean that Jesus wasn’t morally or spiritually perfect already? Why or why not? (See 2:10 note.) Who is “the one who makes men holy” and who are “those who are made holy”? (See 2:11 note.) What does it mean to be holy? Why did Jesus share our humanity? (See 2:14 note; cf. vv. 17-18.) Who are “Abraham’s descendants”? (See 2:16 note.) What are the implications of Jesus as “a merciful and faithful high priest”? (See 2:17 note.) What does it mean that Jesus made “atonement for the sins of the people” (v. 17)? Why and how is Jesus able to help “those who are being tempted”? (See 2:18 note.)

PRAY: Thank Jesus for becoming human so as to rescue us from sin and destroy the devil’s work. Thank Jesus for the powerful works that accompany salvation, including the gifts of the Spirit and help in overcoming temptation.

ACT: If in any way you’ve become spiritually careless or neglected your relationship with Jesus–by lack of time with Him, service for Him, or obedience to His Word–pick up the slack and revive your devotion to Christ in attitude and action.