C+C Tennessee Discussion Guide
Text: Hebrews 2:9–18
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, 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. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Summary
Hebrews 2 shows both the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus and unpacks what that means for believers. The eternal Son of God, who is higher than angels, willingly became human and was made “for a little while lower than the angels.” He did this to suffer death in our place, tasting death “for everyone” so that the grace of God could reach sinners who deserved judgment.
Through his suffering and death, Jesus becomes the founder/champion of our salvation, made “perfect through suffering” in the sense that his saving work is completed and fitting. As fully God and fully man, he is the one who sanctifies his people, bringing them into God’s family and he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
By taking on flesh and blood, Jesus entered into death itself to break the devil’s power and free people from lifelong slavery to the fear of death. He did not come to help angels but the offspring of Abraham – all who belong to God by faith. To do this, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, becoming a merciful and faithful high priest who makes propitiation, turning away God’s wrath and securing God’s favor for his people.
Because he shared our temptations and sufferings without sin, Jesus is able to help those who are being tempted. The result of all this is a new family reality: believers are brought home to the Father’s house with Jesus as their true and faithful “big brother,” the one who goes before them, prepares a place for them, and walks with them through every fear and trial until they are safely home.
Key Takeaways
Discussion Questions
Practical Applications
But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, 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. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Summary
Hebrews 2 shows both the humiliation and exaltation of Jesus and unpacks what that means for believers. The eternal Son of God, who is higher than angels, willingly became human and was made “for a little while lower than the angels.” He did this to suffer death in our place, tasting death “for everyone” so that the grace of God could reach sinners who deserved judgment.
Through his suffering and death, Jesus becomes the founder/champion of our salvation, made “perfect through suffering” in the sense that his saving work is completed and fitting. As fully God and fully man, he is the one who sanctifies his people, bringing them into God’s family and he is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
By taking on flesh and blood, Jesus entered into death itself to break the devil’s power and free people from lifelong slavery to the fear of death. He did not come to help angels but the offspring of Abraham – all who belong to God by faith. To do this, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, becoming a merciful and faithful high priest who makes propitiation, turning away God’s wrath and securing God’s favor for his people.
Because he shared our temptations and sufferings without sin, Jesus is able to help those who are being tempted. The result of all this is a new family reality: believers are brought home to the Father’s house with Jesus as their true and faithful “big brother,” the one who goes before them, prepares a place for them, and walks with them through every fear and trial until they are safely home.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus is our substitute, our champion, the founder of our faith, our sanctifier, and our high priest
- By his death and resurrection, Jesus defeated death and Satan, gaining freedom from both for us
- Jesus is our merciful helper and elder brother
Discussion Questions
- Why was it necessary for Jesus to become human to save us?
- What does it mean that Jesus "tasted death for everyone"?
- How does thinking of Jesus as your champion (one who fights for you) impact your current struggles?
- How does Jesus' victory over death change the way Christians should view dying?
- Why is it significant that Jesus didn't call His disciples 'brothers' until after the resurrection, and what does this timing teach us about our inclusion in God's family?
- In what specific area of your life right now do you need to boldly ask Jesus for help instead of trying to manage it on your own?
- Many people assume Christianity is mainly about rule-keeping. Using this passage, how would you explain that Christianity is first about what Jesus has done as our substitute and champion?
Practical Applications
- Ask Jesus for Specific Help: Take time this week to honestly identify where you feel most enslaved by fear, temptation, or shame and spend time asking our merciful High Priest for help.
- Face Death with Hope: Reflect on your view of death and eternity in light of Hebrews 2:14–15 and John 14:1–3
- Live as a Family: Treat other believers as true brothers and sisters by encouraging them, bearing burdens with them, and reminding one another of the hope of being together in the Father’s house.