Untitled Sermon

Why did Jesus have to come? What was accomplished when he did come?

Hebrews 2:14-18

V. 14-15

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things,

Christ came, and became just like us.

He was fully human, and experienced all of life as we do.

He had to live the full experience of man, so that he could serve as our representative.

But why? Why was it necessary?

that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Mankind was supposed to live a life for God, but they sinned. With their sin they now were under the curse of the law, for all who sin shall die.

The one who first tempted mankind to fall is the same one who held the charge of death over mankind’s head.

Satan is known as the accuser, and he holds the threat of death over mankind.

For, Satan was the original tempter of sin, he now uses the sinfulness of man to lead them astray, all the while looming with the threat of death that awaits them because of their sin.

Christ came to render him powerless. The accusations of Satan are rendered void for he came and took on the debt of that sin, so that through Christ mankind might be free from the curse and bondage of sin.

Christ in dying took on our sin, but also he gives us a new heart. We have a heart that does not have to sin. You and I are granted a holy inclination.

Finally, we also do not have to fear death. My life does not have to be filled with vanity, but instead I can know peace and joy in Jesus.

V. 16-17

16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Second, Christ came in order to make propitiation for mankind.

For mankind sin, mankind had to die.

Christ makes us right with God for not only did he free us from our accuser, but we are also free from the wrath we have procured by breaking God’s law.

Christ as a man served as our representative dying our death. His sinless life and divine nature make His life of infinite value, thus able to fulfill the infinite wrath of God.

Christ is our high priest, he is our representative before God. It is Him who has gone before God and made a sacrifice for the sins of the people, and he Himself was this sacrifice.

V. 17-18

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Third, Christ coming as a man enables him to serve as our merciful high priest.

Christ is able to comfort and care for the lost, and for his people for He has lived with all the temptations.

Not only did he live with the same struggles that we did, but He also dealt with them to their utmost and never broke.

He can see his people, and because of what He has done, He is able to offer an easy yoke built off of grace.

So Christ coming as a man:

Disarmed Satan, for He lived the perfect life and grants his people credit for that life so that we don’t have to fear death.

He made us right with God, for He was able to die as our representative.

He can sympathize with His people.

Discussion Questions:

Why did Jesus have to come as a man and die?

Is it comforting to know that Christ understands our struggles and temptations? Why?

How does not having to fear death impact how we live?