Through the Suffering of Death
“9 But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,
“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again he says,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them,[e] fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Hebrews 2:9–18 offers a profound explanation of the grace of salvation accomplished through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. The cross was not simply a moment of God’s Son enduring pain; rather, in taking on death—humanity’s greatest weakness—Jesus secured a complete salvation for us.
Jesus’ death did not end in tragedy. Through His suffering and crucifixion, God’s plan was fulfilled, and by His resurrection, Jesus was crowned with glory and honor. Conquering death, He opened the way to salvation for us and ushered us into a place of glory. The Father’s act of allowing His Son to die was not cruelty but rather the most astonishing display of grace.
Furthermore, Christ’s death was not for a select few. If salvation hinged upon particular qualifications, the majority of humanity would be excluded. Instead, Jesus’ victory over death extends to all people—sinners, the weak, and the vulnerable. By triumphing over humanity’s most profound fear and frailty, He has redeemed everyone.
Today’s passage invites us to behold the cross of Jesus and respond to God’s grace and love. Our salvation does not rest on any merit of our own; it is accomplished because Jesus bore all our sin and weakness. Therefore, even in our frailty, we can cling to Jesus with greater reliance on His grace, praising Him for the wonderful gift of salvation.
Prayer: Lord, even amidst our suffering, weakness, despair, and helplessness, let us look to the cross, where You died for sinners, and accept with joy that we are beloved children of God. Believing that the shedding of Your blood and the breaking of Your body on the cross is the grace that sets us free, grant us to live this day in hope, courage, and love.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
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