Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 2:14-18.
Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
Jesus came to be one of us so we might better understand and follow God’s plan for us. It was necessary for the remission of our sin that He became human, suffered and died. Now we can turn to Him as the one who has “been there, done that”, knowing He understands what we face as human beings.
This was all for us! Jesus has always known our human frailty, but by coming among us He made us see that God is not just the distant Almighty but a loving Father involved in the lives of His children. This is His promise, that God loved us so much He sent Jesus to show us.
Knowing that He has done this for us, we can now live in the joy of God’s mercy and forgiveness, carrying on the ministry Jesus has given us. We are called to share the Good News of His coming. Death has no hold on those who put their faith in the risen Christ!
Gracious God, we are sorry for our failure to love You and each other as You love us. Bless us to be faithful followers, sharing the message Jesus brought us with all the world. Amen.