Christ Shares Our Humanity

 

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)

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.

Devotion:

The passage from Hebrews 2:14 is a profound declaration of Christ's incarnation and His ultimate purpose in coming to earth. It speaks to the very core of the Christian faith, emphasizing the significance of Jesus taking on human form to accomplish the monumental task of defeating the powers of darkness.

In this verse, the author of Hebrews clarifies that Jesus, though divine, chose to share in our humanity. The phrase "Since the children have flesh and blood" refers to humanity, emphasizing our mortal, frail existence. By stating that Jesus "shared in their humanity," we are reminded of Christ's incredible humility and love. He did not come as a distant deity but as one of us, experiencing the same struggles, pains, and temptations that we face. This act of sharing in our humanity is not merely an identification with us but a total immersion into the human condition, a profound demonstration of His love and humility that should fill us with awe and gratitude.

The purpose of this divine condescension, a term that refers to the divine humility and willingness to lower oneself for the sake of others, is profoundly stated: "so that by his death, he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil." Here, the crux of the Christian message is revealed. Jesus' death was not a defeat but a victorious act that shattered the hold of the devil over humanity. The devil's power is rooted in death, the ultimate consequence of sin. By dying on the cross, Jesus took upon Himself the penalty of sin and, in doing so, nullified the devil's power over death.

This verse calls believers to a deeper understanding of Christ's sacrificial love. It assures us that Jesus' identification with our humanity was essential for our salvation. He did not merely appear human; He was fully human, experiencing all the joys and sorrows of human life, and fully divine, possessing all the attributes of God. His death was the ultimate act of love, breaking the chains of sin and death that held us captive.

As we reflect on Hebrews 2:14, let us remember Christ's immense love and sacrifice. Let it fill our hearts with gratitude and awe, knowing that our Savior chose to share in our humanity to bring us eternal life. Let us also be reminded of our victory in Christ, a victory that transcends death and the powers of darkness. In our moments of fear and doubt, may we find solace in the truth that Jesus has triumphed over all, and through Him, we have the promise of eternal life that should fill us with hope and reassurance.

In conclusion, Hebrews 2:14 powerfully reminds us of the lengths to which Christ went to save us. His shared humanity and sacrificial death are the foundations of our faith, offering us hope, redemption, and the assurance of victory over death. Let us not just acknowledge this truth, but live in the light of it, continually praising and thanking our Lord for His immeasurable love and grace. This should inspire and motivate us to live our lives in a way that reflects the profound impact of Christ's sacrifice.

 

Prayer:

            Lord, we thank You for coming to this world to share in our humanity. We can never express enough gratitude for what You have done for us. May Your praises always be on our lips, so we might truly live to spread the Gospel's good news: We have eternal life in You. Amen.