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
The reading for today reminds us that faith in Christ is truly a matter of life and death. Jesus became "like us" (vs. 17) to defeat the powers of sin and darkness for all time. Sometimes it seems like we in the church water down the power of the cross and turn faith into a specific set of prescribed behaviors. Yet our faith witnesses that in reality Jesus came to experience our suffering and death so that his triumph could also become ours.
Far more than a beautiful picture on a Christmas card, the nativity story represents an entire reordering of heaven and earth. God does not ignore us in our suffering, but joins us. Salvation is not reserved for the privileged, but is a free gift for everyone, even the lowly. Jesus comes to help us in our suffering. As our reading reminds us (vs. 13), we can put our trust in him.
Prayer
God of grace, thank you for your presence with us in all things, even in our pain and suffering. We pray for those who are experiencing suffering of body, mind or spirit, for those nearing the end of life, and for those who care for the sick and dying. May we embrace the promise of the resurrection in Christ. Amen.