He Is Able

Hebrews 2:5-18

Key Verse 2:18

This passage says that although God sent Jesus to ensure that all put trust in Jesus and overcome the world should inherit the perfected world to come, when one loses temptations of this world which is still ruled by the ruler of the air (i.e., the devil), one will end up forfeiting salvation, and thereby not able to participate in the world to come. 

Question: how can one overcome the power of sin and death? It is though Jesus Christ that one can do it. Practically then how does this work? In other words how can we practically avail ourselves to the provisions that come in and through Jesus? The author is addressing this question. 

Read verses 5-8a. What does the Bible say about the world to come? (1:2; Rev. 21:5-22:5) What does it mean to say, “…he has subjected the world to come” (not to angels, but to Jesus)? Why “not” to the angels? 

** The world to come is the world which is free of all the enemies of God (who constantly tempt men to sin and rebel against God) and all the ill effects of sinful disobedience. 

It has been said that the Lord God created two words: this world, and the world to come. The Lord already envisaged the possibility for men to fall; in preparation against this possibility, God provided us with Jesus Christ, so that through Him many would be redeemed into the world to come. 

** This means the world to come is going to be inhabited (or inherited or enjoyed) only by those who overcome the [present] world. Now, no one but Jesus Christ and those who put trust in the Son can overcome the world. The word “subjected” means “made at the disposal of”. 

Angels are categorized into two classes: the angels who sinned (along with the devil also known as Satan) and the angels who did not. The angels who sinned are now locked up in the underworld except for Satan who is still allowed up and running. Only good angels are now in operation (working to serve those who are to be saved.) These angels did not sin. So they did not need to inherit or not inherit the world to come. In fact they do not know what it is to be saved. 

Another reason why it is only Jesus and his children that are to inherit this world is that while angels were not given the image of God, we the human beings are made in God’s image. And God did this in order to let them rule over the universe. In other words, humans are far superior to angels for it is only humans who are endowed with the image of God. All angels were created to serve His children. 

Read verse 8b. What does “Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him” mean? (1Co 15:24-28; Luke 11:2)

** This means still there are many who are not saved; they are still held in bondage to the power of sin and death; they remain disobedient; they are rebellious to the rule of God. 

This is to point out the present reality where we see all sorts of bad news coming out all the time, which are only a reflection of men sinning in disobedience to God.

Another way to put it is to say that God’s kingdom is yet to come here on earth.

Read verses 9-17. This passage says that Jesus suffered death in order to “help” Abraham’s descendants.  For what are we to secure his help? How can we avail ourselves to the provision Jesus came to offer? 

** For the following purposes: 

to inherit the world to come (5-8a);

to be brought to glory (10a);

to participate in his salvation (10b);

to be made holy and thereby be qualified to live as members of his family (11); 

to live as brothers (and sisters) in the Lord in the family where God is the Father, singing and praising His name (12);

to live as his children (13); and

to overcome the power of sin and death (14).

** By putting trust in His name. (This answer is alluded to in the expression “Abraham’s descendants”.)

Read verse 18. This passage suggests that had Jesus not suffered (when he was tempted) he would “not” have been able to help those who are being tempted. Why is it that it was because he suffered that he is now “able”? 

** Two things can be said: 

Jesus demonstrated his love for us. Love never fails. 

In love he set an example for us to follow. For this reason Jesus said that whoever wants to follow Jesus he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow him. Then the Apostle Paul said, “Follow my example as I follow Jesus’ example.” 

** Think about the grave consequence(s) of sinning, and the way to overcome temptations. 

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