To Give You Life

Hebrews 2:14-18 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy 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 his brothers 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.
 
THERE is an awful truth about our salvation. Jesus had to die, so we can live, free of death, free of fear of death. The cross is Scripture’s center point. It is history’s center point. Let us consider once again how Jesus transformed his tragic death into triumph for our eternal life.
   This is possible because Jesus shared our humanity. How do you understand that? We know the Son of God became flesh and blood. But then think about a shared humanity. Jesus shared life with his family and with his people. He lived each day as we do. Jesus became hungry and ate meals. He played as a child and worked as an adult. Mary’s son attended synagogue and fellowshipped with friends. He was a brother to James, Jude, Joses, Simon and his sisters (Mark 6:3). Jesus shared family’s and friends’ joys and sorrows. He mourned when Joseph died as a son mourns his father. Jesus shared in their humanity.
   Jesus was fully man because it was the only way he could destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil. Death is sin’s penalty. The Liar Satan told Eve, “You shall not surely die.” (Genesis 3:4a). But Adam and Eve did die. Altogether, Adam lived 930 years, and then he died (Genesis 5:5) The fear of death has gripped mankind’s mind. In response, each culture throughout history has a remedy for death with some form of ongoing existence.
   But we thank God Jesus came in the flesh, to rise again, so we have a clear picture of eternal life. He has died to rise in order to free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. This is for Abraham’s descendants – all who confess Jesus is Lord and Savior. Immanuel had to be like us in every way. It is the only way he can purely represent us before the presence of the Father. Our Mediator is our representative, our  merciful and faithful high priest to atone for our sins. Jesus became captive to death, so the Spirit could release him from death’s prison into eternal glory. Trusting Jesus, we can trust death has no hold on us. 1 Corinthians 15:55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
   This is our future in Jesus. When the Spirit awakens our spirit to our sin, we know we need a High Priest to purify our sins. We confess our sin and confess Jesus. We believe Jesus. We trust him. We die to ourselves, so we will live in and with Christ forever.
   Yes, you’ve heard this before. Are you hearing int now? Do you fear death? Do not let it trap you and hold you from a joyous relationship with Jesus. The Resurrection and the Life has come to set the captives free (Luke 4:18b) Be free from fear. Be free in life. Live into your potential. This is the only life you have. Enjoy it.