Hebrews 2 Reading Guide

Dig In:

Passage: Hebrews 2

Chapter Summary

v1-4 - Always look for connector words as you read like 'so that,' 'because of,' or 'but.' Chapter 2 begins with one of the most critical connector words: therefore. It turns your attention back to what you read yesterday - that Jesus is far superior to even the angels - and in a sense says 'that wasn't just some random theological fact... this has massive application for your life: pay careful attention, or you will drift away. In fact,

How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? (v3)

v5-9 - As is his style, the writer of this letter stitches together multiple Old Testament passages to make his point in v9:
- Jesus was temporarily made lower than the angels
  - He suffered death
    so that
    by God's grace He might taste death for everyone
  - having done so, He's now crowned with glory and honor
v10-18 - The emphasis in this passage is on what it means that Jesus became like us to 'bring many sons to glory (v10).' This means:
- v11 - those who are made holy through Jesus are 'of the same family,' therefore, 'Jesus is not ashamed to call you His brother.'
- v14 - Jesus shared your humanity so that He would break the power of death and set you free from the slavery of the fear of death.
- v17 - Jesus was made like you in every way in order that He might make atonement (payment) for your sins.

THEREFORE,

Because Jesus suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (v18).

Old Testament Reference(s) -

Once again, there are multiple references. As we've gone through the New Testament this year, I've noticed there are several OT passages that keep being referred to, and Psalm 22 is one of them (v12). We've read it before this year, but it would be good to read it again.

Use the comment box below to discuss one or more of these questions.

EYE FOR DETAIL—From what you recall seeing in this chapter, try answering the following question without looking at your Bible: In the opening verse, the author of Hebrews tells us why we must pay more careful attention to what we have heard. What was this reason?
If it’s true that “you become what you think,” then what are the most important thoughts from this chapter to plant firmly in your mind? Questions taken from The Complete Bible Discussion Guide: New Testament

ACKNOWLEDGE WHO GOD IS: God, for whom and through whom everything exists (v10)
ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH GOD'S WILL: Pray for the strength and endurance to 'pay most careful attention to what you've heard (v1),' so that you will not 'ignore so great a salvation (v3).
ASK GOD FOR WHAT YOU NEED: