The preceding studies in the first two chapters of Hebrews have shown us Jesus in His infinite power and glory, but nevertheless as Man, so that we might know that “the power of God and the wisdom of God” are given to men. In Hebrews 2.13-18 we have the same truth set forth for our comfort. After the statement that Christ is not ashamed to call us brethren, there are three quotations in proof of the fact, with the second of which we begin:—
“And again, I will put My trust in Him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given Me. Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily He took not on Him the nature of angels but He took on Him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that He himself hath suffered being tempted, He is able to succour them that are tempted.” Hebrews 2.13-18
• What statement of Christ has already been cited, to show that He is not ashamed to call sinful men His brethren?
o “I will declare Thy name unto My brethren?”
• What still further shows Him to be one with us in experience?
o “I will put My trust in Him.”
• How does He still further identify Himself with us?
o “Behold I and the children whom Thou hast given He.”
• Of what are “the children” partakers?
o “Of flesh and blood.”
• Of what did He therefore take part?
o “Of the same.”
• Why?
o “That He might destroy him that had the power of death.”
• Who is he that had the power of death?
o “The devil.”
• And how is it that He destroy him?
o “Through death.”
• And what does He thereby do?
o “Deliver them, who . . . were a their lifetime subject to bondage.”
• What held them in this bondage?
o “The fear of death.”
• What did Christ not take on Himself?
o “The nature of angels.”
• What did He take on Himself?
o “He took on him the seed of Abraham.”
• What was therefore fitting and necessary for Him?
o “Wherefore in all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren.”
• Why?
o “That He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God.”
• To do what?
o “To make reconciliation for the sins of the people.”
• How has He Himself suffered'?
o “He Himself hath suffered being tempted.”
• What is He therefore able to do?
o “He is able to succour them that are tempted.”
“Flesh and Blood.”—What is the significance of the statement that the children are partakers of flesh and blood? The connection shows clearly, but we have also a hint in 1 Corinthians 15.50: “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” Flesh and blood