Page 26 - Hebrews- Student Textbook

B. But what was the Father’s purpose in Jesus’ humanity and in his showing such solidarity with
human beings?
1. Once again, the writer appeals to the ancient promise of God, this time in Psalm 8:4.
God did not put this world in subjection to angels, but rather to created men and
women.
2. By subjecting everything under the feet of humans, God left nothing outside of
humanity’s managerial oversight and accountability.
3. This did not give license for mortals to plunder, destroy, and trample anything and
everything on earth so long as there was a profit to be gained or for some other selfish
reason, however.
C. God’s plan for humanity was spoiled temporarily, but it would not be permanently foiled.
1. Currently, we do not see everything in subjection to mortals as originally provided for
by God, but what we do see is that sin has now entered the world and the task, given by
God to men and women, has been subverted.
2. However, “We do see Jesus” (2:9), whom God has sent to do what men and women
failed to do because of their fall into sin.
3. Uttly says “Jesus is one giant step forward for humanity, for the immortal God took on
flesh and blood and became what neither angels nor people were, nor could be, without
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the intervention of God.
4. He tasted death so that all human beings might be brought back to God.

D. Uttly also mentions that, “Jesus’ death on the cross was the second giant step forward for
humanity. Hebrews 2 argued that there were eight distinct purposes for the death, burial, and
resurrection of our Lord. Neither Jewish nor Gentile believers were to be offended by the cross;
instead, they were to take note of what had been provided (2:9–18):

1. Jesus tasted death for “everyone” (2:9) so that mortals could live forever with God.
Reconciliation to God could only take place if a perfect life of a perfect God-man provided for
the release of sinners.

2. Jesus was designated “the author (archēgos) of their salvation, which salvation he made perfect
through suffering (2:10). Jesus was the forerunner, the pathfinder and pioneer of our faith. He
was not made “perfect” in the philosophical sense or in an abstract perfection, but in the sense
that he was made fully adequate for the task for which he had been called by the Father. The
same Greek words are used in the Septuagint in connection with ordaining and consecrating
priests for service (Ex 29:9, 29, 33; Lev 8:33; 21:10).”
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3. Jesus made all who believe part of the same family (2:11–13), thereby setting them apart and
sanctifying all who trust in him. If Jesus was not ashamed of mortals, then how is it that mortals
are embarrassed by the cross? As a man, Jesus got hungry (Mt 4:2) and grew tired (Jn 4:6),
thirsty (Jn 19:28), and sorrowful over the loss of a friend (Jn 11:35). Jesus is the head of a new
humanity (Ps 22:22; “Go … tell my brothers”).

27 Uttly (Hebrews)

28 Ibid
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