Tuesday 6 October 2026
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. (v. 17)
Background
Hebrews 2:5-18 can be divided into two sections. The first section offers an interpretation of Psalm 8 where the ‘Son of Man’ (Jesus) is made slightly lower than the angels and is later exalted (vs 5-13). The second section reflects on Jesus as the one who suffers and sanctifies his followers, and whose full humanity renders him the perfect high priest (vs 14-18).
In the first section, the author begins with a citation of Psalm 8:4-6 (vs 5-8). While the Psalm reflects generally on the human condition, here the author reflects on how Jesus – as the representative human – fulfils the words of the Psalm. It is Jesus who – in his incarnation – was made ‘lower than the angels’, Jesus who – through suffering and death – 'tasted death for everyone’, and Jesus who is now ‘crowned with glory and honour’ (v. 9), ascended as he is to God the Father. As elsewhere in Hebrews, the author shows how the Old Testament finds its fulfilment in Jesus.
In the second section (vs 10-11), the author explains that in dying on the cross and ascending into the very heavens, Jesus is the ‘pioneer of salvation’, blazing a path back to God the Father. The author also notes that Jesus has been made ‘perfect through sufferings’ (v. 10). This does not mean that Jesus was imperfect or sinful, but rather that Jesus’ mission was completed in and through the cross. Jesus has gone to the Father to draw others to the Father through him, making disciples holy just as he is holy (v. 11). Drawing on Scripture (Psalm 22:22; Isaiah 8:17-18), the author shows that followers of Jesus are members of God’s family too.
The final paragraph of the passage (vs 14-18) emphasises the significance of Jesus becoming fully human. It is by sharing our human condition that Jesus can deliver us from death – as well as the fear of death (vs 14-15). In his humanity, Jesus knows what it is to suffer and be tested, and so can help those who are experiencing the same.
To Ponder:
- In a culture which can often deny death or fear it, how might the promise that Jesus can free people from the fear of death shape the Church’s mission?
- In what ways are you encouraged or inspired by Hebrews' claim that Jesus was tested and tempted just as we are?
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Ed Mackenzie
Ed Mackenzie works at Cliff College as the Programme Lead for the BA in Theology and Mission and the Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies and Biblical Theology.