Monday, March 30, 2015

Jesus made like His brothers



3.30.2015 Monday of Holy Week              Hebrews 2:1-18 Jesus made like His brothers


The author of the Hebrews is facing the situation of the church’s waning faith, probably because of the delay of Christ’s return. To stimulate their faith, he writes the epistle of Hebrews. Today’s reading deals with the event of Christ’s incarnation leading to His suffering and death for the salvation of humanity. His incarnation, His breaking into time and space, gave Him  a solidarity with humankind in order to save it. At present we do not see Christ’s lordship over everything, but we do see Him. (Vs.9) His atoning death created a oneness of Christ and His followers whom he calls, “brethren” (Vs.  11) As Christ’s followers, we are created and re-created by redemption.[2]

By the grace of God, Jesus became a man who became perfect through suffering and died for all. This is how He acts for you. He becomes your substitute. He takes to Himself your sin, you misery, your guilt. He suffers for you. He dies in your place. Thus, the forgiveness He offers is truly for you. He is the perfect substitute. He will stand in your place. Jesus He is your surrogate, your proxy, your replacement, your Savior and friend. 

Almighty God, whose dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other that the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen[3]



[1] Image by Ed Rioja © Higher Things
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff, pg. 277, CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect for Monday of Holy Week, http://www.liturgies.net/Lent/LentenCollects.htm

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