What is the meaning of Hebrews 2:14? The reality of our flesh and blood - Hebrews begins with the simple observation: “Now since the children have flesh and blood…”. We are mortal, created beings, subject to weakness and death. - This echoes Genesis 2:7 where God forms man from the dust, and Psalm 103:14 reminds that “He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” - Acts 17:26 affirms that “From one man He made every nation of men to inhabit the whole earth,” underscoring the shared humanity the verse addresses. Christ shares our humanity - “He too shared in their humanity.” The eternal Son entered time, taking on the same flesh and blood we possess (John 1:14; Philippians 2:7–8). - Romans 8:3 adds that God sent His Son “in the likeness of sinful flesh” to deal with sin. - By choosing real humanity—not an appearance or illusion—Jesus stands beside us as our true Brother (Hebrews 2:11-12) and perfect High Priest (Hebrews 4:15). Purpose in His death - “So that by His death…” The incarnation was aimed at the cross. - Isaiah 53:5 foretold that the Messiah would be “pierced for our transgressions.” - Hebrews 9:26 declares He appeared “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself,” and 1 Peter 2:24 says He “bore our sins in His body on the tree.” - The physical death of Jesus, therefore, is central: blood was required (Leviticus 17:11) and provided. Destroying the one with power of death - The goal: “He might destroy him who holds the power of death.” - “Destroy” here means to render powerless; Christ breaks Satan’s stranglehold over humanity’s greatest fear. - Colossians 2:15 shows Jesus disarming rulers and authorities at the cross. - 2 Timothy 1:10 proclaims He “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light,” fulfilled ultimately when “Death has been swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Identifying the adversary - The verse clarifies: “that is, the devil.” Satan wields death as a weapon through temptation (Genesis 3:1-6) and accusation (Revelation 12:10). - Yet 1 John 3:8 states, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” - Revelation 20:10 looks ahead to the final confinement of the enemy, confirming the decisive nature of Christ’s triumph. summary Hebrews 2:14 reveals the breathtaking strategy of God: the eternal Son became fully human, embracing flesh and blood, expressly so He could die on our behalf. That sacrificial death stripped Satan of his lethal authority, breaking the bondage of fear and opening the way to eternal life for all who trust in Christ. |
    |