Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 2:10-18 on biblegateway.com
Verse 10It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. Verse 11For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, Verse 12saying, "I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you." Verse 13And again, "I will put my trust in him." And again, "Here am I and the children whom God has given me."
Verse 14Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, Verse 15and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. Verse 16For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Verse 17Therefore 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. Verse 18Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Devotion
Through faith, it is not difficult to see God's work in the world. Look to places of the world's deepest suffering and pain: God is there at work breathing life into death. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is not ashamed to get dirty in working in this dying world. In fact, he clothes himself in humanity, calls it good and gives us a new name, making us brothers and sisters in Christ.
Prayer
Good and gracious God, brother Jesus Christ, what the heck were you thinking? You got yourself killed, dirtied yourself with our sins and then had the audacity to clothe the whole world with your righteousness. You are far too good and gracious. I know I don't deserve your gracious love, yet I am filled with nothing but thankfulness and praise. Thank you for being my brother, friend and Savior; you needed me when I needed you most. Amen.