Hebrews 2

Heb 2:1-4 NASB  For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.  (2)  For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,  (3)  how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,  (4)  God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

  • What caution is offered at the beginning of Hebrews 2 and why?
  • What evidence has been given that the gospel message is true?  Can you recall some examples of each of these categories of evidence from the Gospels (the book of John is a good source for signs and miracles)?
  • How do these signs prove that God was testifying to the validity of the gospel message?
  • What gifts of the Holy Spirit were evident in the gospels?
  • How does this give evidence of the truth of the gospel message?
  • What does this mean to you and what could it mean to non-believers?

Heb 2:5-8 NASB  For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking.  (6)  But one has testified somewhere, saying, “WHAT IS MAN, THAT YOU REMEMBER HIM? OR THE SON OF MAN, THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT HIM?  (7)  “YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;  (8)  YOU HAVE PUT ALL THINGS IN SUBJECTION UNDER HIS FEET.” For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him. But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him.

  • What is the author of Hebrews doing with Psalm 8?
  • When you read Psalm 8, do you first think of Jesus or of something else?
  • What do you think the Jews see when they read Psalm 8?
  • According to Gen 1:26 – what is subjected to man?
  • According to Hebrews 2:9, who is being spoken of in Psalm 8?
  • What does this reveal about God’s word?
  • Gen 1:26 made all things on earth subject to man but he lost that in the fall.  Similarly, Hebrews 2:8 says that Jesus has not come into that truth yet either.  (Rev 5:11-13)

Heb 2:9-18 NASB  But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.  (10)  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.  (11)  For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,  (12)  saying, “I WILL PROCLAIM YOUR NAME TO MY BRETHREN, IN THE MIDST OF THE CONGREGATION I WILL SING YOUR PRAISE.”  (13)  And again, “I WILL PUT MY TRUST IN HIM.” And again, “BEHOLD, I AND THE CHILDREN WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN ME.”  (14)  Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,  (15)  and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.  (16)  For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.  (17)  Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.  (18)  For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

  • How is the salvation plan achieved through Jesus?
    • Hebrews 2:10 – the word author is also translated Pioneer – what does this word mean to you?
    • In Hebrews 2:11-12 what aspect of God’s plan was being achieved?  What do these verses say that Jesus did while on the earth?
    • How did Jesus defeat death and how was he the perfect one to do this?
    • How do we share in Jesus sanctification role in verse 18?
  • What character of Jesus comes through in Hebrews 2?
  • What character of God is shown in Hebrews 2?
  • What new aspect of Jesus and God’s role in salvation did you see in these verses?