Day 627: Immortality - Hebrews 2 vs 14 - 18

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, 15 that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:14-18 (English Standard Version)

Human beings are mortal. They are subject to death. In fact, the word used in the New Testament for ‘mortal’ comes from a Greek word meaning death. When the apostle Paul spoke of God he said He is the one “who alone has immortality  - and who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see.” (1 Timothy 6:16) God alone is eternal and not subject to death. So what did the Son of God do in order to rescue mortal men and women? (vs 14)

He who was immortal came into the world as a mortal man. In the verses just before today's ones the writer quoted words from the Old Testament which said of Christ: “I will tell of your name to my brothers”, and “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” The word children is often used in the Bible to speak of grown up people who belong to God. Jesus used it of His disciples as He spoke of his crucifixion which was about to happen. He said: “My children, I will be with you only a little longer.” (John 13:33) And since the children were mortals of flesh and blood, Jesus became like them. What was His goal in taking such an enormous step? (vs 15)

Death is described as a terrible bondage which men and women were in. It was a bondage from which there was no escape. Satan had deceived and conned the first man and woman on earth by telling them they would not die if they disobeyed their Creator. Ever since that day he could accuse everyone of sin before God and say we deserve to die. Until Jesus came into the world. What did Jesus do that took away the Devil's power to terrify us with death? (vs17)

He became a man so that He could be the perfect high priest who would make propitiation for our sins. To propitiate for sins means offering a sacrifice that fully satisfies the requirements of a God who is altogether holy. As it was man who had sinned, it required a man to atone for sin. And as the penalty of sin was death, it required a death to pay that penalty. All of this Christ accomplished by becoming man, living in perfect obedience to God, and going to the cross. But it goes even further. What else did Jesus make possible by becoming mortal and going through the temptations and trials of life, and the trauma of death? (vs 16 & 18)

Not only was Jesus able to be a faithful high priest who brought an offering acceptable to God, He is also able to be a priest who is full of mercy. He experienced suffering. He knew what it is like to be tempted. He knew what it was like to be betrayed, let down and deserted. He knew what it was like to have lies and slander spoken about him and be falsely accused and convicted. He knew what physical suffering is like when nails are driven through the body, and what it's like to feel as if even God has forsaken one. Angels may not know such things but they can be part of the lot of mortal men and women.

The writer of Hebrews therefore was reminding those who were going through dark times of suffering at the hands of those who rejected Christ that Jesus was not unsympathetic to what they were experiencing. He has walked where they were being called to walk, even through death. The wonderful truth they could cling too was that God's grace had been made known “through the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus,  who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (2 Timothy 1:10) Death has lost it's sting and Christians need no longer fear it.