Because of Christ’s perfect life and sacrifice for sins, he is now crowned with glory and honor. Christ was worthy to receive these rewards because he suffered death for us. By way of further explanation of this death, the writer elaborated: By God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone in all the world. Jesus lived and died physically. Jesus died for everyone in all the world, but not everyone will be saved. The only way for people to be saved and to receive God’s rewards is to “believe on the Lord Jesus” (Acts 16:31).Christ, the perfect leader, was able to fulfill what no other human was able to fulfill. Although people were commissioned to rule the earth, their sin kept them from the task. Jesus’ sacrifice brings his human brothers and sisters into glory that will one day be restored to people in the future Kingdom.
Because God made everything, he determines what sacrifice is necessary for sin. He, the Creator of the world, determined what was needed for salvation. Through the suffering of Jesus God could bring people into their salvation. Jesus did not need to suffer for his own salvation because he was God. His perfect obedience (which led him down the road of suffering) demonstrates that he was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering, Jesus completed the work necessary for our salvation.
We who have been set apart for God’s service, cleansed, and made holy (sanctified) by Jesus now have the same Father as he does. Because God has adopted all believers as his children, Jesus is not ashamed to call believers his brothers and sisters. Those who are not ashamed of Jesus, gladly accepting him as Savior and Lord, will find that Jesus is not ashamed to call them members of his family.
Angels were not the objects of God’s grace. God sent Jesus to die for people, the descendants of Abraham, who were lost in their sin (Romans 5:8).
Jesus became like us in every respect except for the sinful nature—Jesus never shared in that part of humanity. Only in this way could he offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. That sacrifice was his life. A holy God cannot overlook sin; thus, the sinfulness of humanity had to be punished. In the Old Testament, God required his people to sacrifice animals (“perfect” animals, healthy and whole) to atone for their sins. At the right time, God dealt once and for all with sin and its ultimate consequence—death and eternal separation from God. Instead of sending all humanity to eternal punishment, God took the punishment himself.
Sin had to be punished, but Jesus shed his blood—gave his life—to take away our sins so that we wouldn’t have to experience spiritual death. His sacrifice transforms our lives and hearts and makes us clean on the inside.
Jesus came to earth as a human being; therefore, he understands our weaknesses and shows mercy to us. Because he was fully human, Jesus himself has gone through suffering and temptation. This suffering refers not only to the Cross, but also to the temptations Jesus experienced throughout his life—from Satan’s temptations in the wilderness to the drops of blood he shed in prayer before his crucifixion. Having undergone all the tests and temptations of human life, Jesus is able to help us when we are being tempted.
SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
I am blown away by the sacrifice of God for me - for you - for us. Equally, I am blown away by the compassion of God to want to identify with us through suffering and sacrifice. Lord, draw people to COV this morning. Draw them to hear the message of Your love and acceptance and plan and purpose. Speak through Pastor Matt.
Lord, today - help me be the truest representation of You that I can be. Help me be the hands and feet of Christ. Lord, build our church. Build our people. Build disciples at COV. Build leaders for You at COV.
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