Hebrews Chapter 2
Bringing Many Sons to Glory
Is the New Testament inspired scripture?
The author of Hebrews warns: if transgressing the OT scriptures which were given through messengers meant severe punishment, it will be more terrible for us if we do not heed the New Testament message, first spoken by the Lord Jesus and then brought to us by His direct audience (1-3).
On the bright side, both Peter and Paul attested to the greater glory of NT scriptures. This chapter of Hebrews promises glory to “many sons”, who are “brethren” to Jesus (10-12,17). Out of His fatherly love, God conceived a plan in eternity for His children to be heirs of the kingdom, who shall take charge of the world to come (5; 1:14; Mt 25:34). This far exceeds the fuss parents go through preparing for the arrival of their new-born!
The psalmist David marvelled at the thoughtfulness the Creator of the vast universe had for infinitesimal man: “What is man that You are mindful of him… that You take care of him?” (6-8; cf. Ps 8). This reminds of the hymn, Thou Thinkest, Lord, of Me. Yes, with our welfare ever in the mind of God, what do we have to fear?
The eventual state of man, beautifully portrayed in Jesus, who was crowned with glory and honour after tasting death for everyone (9) is now our glorious hope (10). Of particular significance is the quote from Ps 22:22: “I will declare Your name to My brethren…” (12), for it is the very turning point from distress to hope, from suffering to glory – at the cross!
My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
For dogs have surrounded Me;
The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me.
They pierced My hands and My feet…
~ Ps 22:1,16 ~
Save Me from the lion’s mouth And from the horns of the wild oxen!
You have answered Me. I will declare Your name to My brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.
~ Ps 22:21-22 ~
How blessed are those whom Jesus considers His brethren! He has become one of them, to deliver them from death and the fear of death (14-17).
He does not give aid to angels but to children of Abraham (16), children of faith (Gal 3:7,29), those who do not drift away but earnestly heed His words (1), following His leading to glory! (10)