HEBREWS 2:14-18

NO FEAR

October 18, 2015

Todd Chapman

Hebrews 2:14-18 ESV: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

In order to enhance our understanding and experience of Jesus’ loving sacrifice, and to increase our confidence as we confront death, the author develops themes to which he alluded earlier…  

  1. Since we are human, Jesus became one of us. 
  2. Jesus became one of us in order to become our “high priest”.
  3. As our “high priest” Jesus…
    • ...disarmed the devil.
    • …took God’s wrath for our sin.
    • …freed us from the fear of death.
    • ...helps us now.

LIFE GROUP QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

  1. How would you summarize 2:10-13?
  2. What does it mean that “he himself likewise partook of the same things”?  Who partook of what?
  3. What are the specific benefits of Jesus becoming a human being and dying that the author lists in 2:14-15?
  4. Why do you think the author mentions (2:17) this is not for the angels but for the “children of Abraham”?  Who are the children of Abraham to whom the author is referring?
  5. Why does the author say Jesus “had to be made like his brothers in every respect”?
  6. What does it mean that Jesus became a “merciful and faithful high priest”?
  7. What does it mean that Jesus made “propitiation” for our sins?  What is propitiation?   (You may want to look this up, a theology book or Google)
  8. What does the author want us to take from 2:18?
  9. How would you paraphrase the big idea of 2:15-18?
  10. How does 2:15-18 relate to 2:10-13?

HOW DOES IT APPLY?

  1. What about Jesus, God Himself, becoming a human being, means the most to you?
  2. When you think about the incarnation, God Himself, the 2nd person of the Trinity becoming a human being, what causes you the most intellectual tension as you ponder this integration of divinity and humanity?
  3. Have you thought, or do you think about death much?  Why or why not?
  4. When you have, or when you do think abut death, how do you feel?
  5. How do you think the author wants those of us who treasure Jesus to think and feel about death?
  6. Is there anything that you believe might help you enjoy increased confidence as you move towards physical death?  If so, what would it be?