HEBREWS CHAPTER 2 “WE SEE JESUS”

Based on the truths of Hebrews Chapter 1, Paul begins Hebrews Chapter 2 with another statement, “Therefore, we ought.” (Even though his writing was directed to the Hebrew believers, but Paul included himself). The admonition was to “give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard” (v. 1). He was referring to the things which the Hebrews had heard concerning Jesus.

ONCE MORE let us examine the situation of the Hebrews. They were forsaking the “traditions” of the elders and forefathers. Too, they were being pressured by the orthodox followers of Judaism to reject their newfound religion. Though they were followers of the Messiah, there seemed to be many doubts about Him and “the way.”

Again, Paul referred to angels and how the “word” which had been spoken by them was steadfast. Well, they knew that the word of God had been established through the angels, even the law which all had followed.

“How shall we escape?” This is still a question that is asked by the messengers of God. The answer is the same as it was in Paul’s time. If we neglect the “great salvation” offered by our heavenly Father through His son Jesus the Messiah, we are doomed by the judgment of God.

This was the message offered to the Hebrews. Yehovah - God was giving to them something far greater than had ever been offered to their fathers. The message which was spoken by the son had been “confirmed from Paul by them that heard them.” This could have included several people John, Peter, Stephen, and others.

The message of God through His son in “these last days” had been by “signs and wonders . . …miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit.” It is almost certain the Hebrews knew of some of these signs. Some of them may have been present to witness the wonders and miracles. The fame of Saul, who had been converted to become a follower of this same Jesus, no doubt had place in the argument and presentation, for now he was the Apostle Paul. The “witness” which God had established had to do with the birth, ministry, and resurrection of Jesus. All of these had been prophesied by the prophets.

In verse five, Paul again used the angels for comparison. Angels had formed an important part of Israel’s history. There is no promise of any importance made to the angels and their future. Rut of this Man, “the man Christ Jesus,” God had “put all things in subjection under his feet” (vs. 8). Yet, in Paul’s time, “we see not yet all things put under him” (vs. 9). The message which had been given, called “things” in verse one, not only pertained to personal salvation through Jesus, but also old of the Kingdom and all its aspects. So “all things” had not yet been put under the supervision of Jesus.

“But we see Jesus.” This is the beginning of verse nine. Here is the first reference to the death of Jesus. The Hebrews were familiar with the sacrificial offerings, especially the ones for atonement. This Jesus who had been made lower than the angels had at the time of this writing been “crowned with glory and honour.” Paul continued to reveal the story of the offering of Jesus by writing that the “captain of their salvation” had to be made “perfect through sufferings.” In this argument, three times Paul went back to the Psalms to quote the testimonies of David concerning the one who was to be “one" with them.

Here was a new teaching. Never had a oneness of fellowship been taught by the prophets, nor had it been practiced in Israel. But the Jesus they were following was “not ashamed to call them brethren” (vs.11). This is a picture of the called-out Assembly of God; the “called out ones” in the Messiah Jesus. When Jesus was raised from the dead, he said, “Go tell my brethren.” He was not speaking of blood relationship, but his followers. The Hebrew brethren were a part of the wonderful group and could enjoy the fellowship.

To counteract any misconception of the origin of Jesus,

Paul showed that he was a son of Abraham. “He took on him the seed of Abraham” (v. 16). In this way he was “made like unto his brethren” (v.17). The Hebrews were of the seed of Abraham. Here was one of their own who had tasted death for every man. The fact that he suffered showed that Jesus was a man like they were. But one thing was different. Jesus had not suffered for His own sins, but for the sins of others. This included the Hebrews.

His suffering and overcoming by the power of God made Jesus able to “succour”;  to give assistance, help, and relief; to “them that are tempted.”

We see, then, in the closing statements of this chapter that Paul had shown Jesus to be:

1) one of the Hebrews;

2) one like the Hebrews; and

3) the one for the Hebrews.

Written by Francis E. Burnett and edited and added to by Bruce Lyon