In this passage from the book of Hebrews, the author highlights the significance of Jesus Christ taking on human form and the purpose behind His death. It emphasizes Jesus' victory over the power of death and His role in delivering humanity from the bondage of fear.
The passage begins by stating that the children, referring to humanity, have shared in flesh and blood. This recognizes the commonality of the human experience and the frailty and vulnerability inherent in human existence. It emphasizes the shared nature of our humanity, and the author highlights that Jesus also took part in the same human experience by becoming incarnate.
The author explains that Jesus became flesh and blood in the same way as humanity so that through His death, He could bring to nothing the one who had the power of death, which is the devil. This highlights the redemptive purpose of Jesus' incarnation and His ultimate victory over sin and death. By taking on human form, Jesus entered into the same realm where death held power, and through His sacrificial death, He defeated the devil, who held humanity in bondage.
The passage further emphasizes that Jesus' victory over death and the devil has profound implications for humanity. It states that Jesus' purpose was to deliver all those who, throughout their lives, were subject to the bondage of fear because of the fear of death. This fear of death is a universal human experience, as death represents the ultimate unknown and the end of earthly life.
Through His victory over death, Jesus offers deliverance to all who live in fear of death, freeing them from the bondage that fear imposes. The author highlights that this deliverance extends to all who are willing to accept it, regardless of their background, experiences, or previous entanglement with fear.
The passage reveals the profound impact of Jesus' redemptive work on humanity's relationship with death. Jesus' victory over death offers hope and liberation to all who place their faith in Him. It assures believers that death is not the end but a passage to eternal life, and it removes the fear and bondage associated with the uncertainty of death.
Furthermore, the passage emphasizes that Jesus' deliverance is not limited to a select few but extends to all who seek it. It demonstrates God's inclusive love and desire for the salvation of all humanity. No one is excluded from the opportunity to be freed from the fear of death and to experience the life-transforming power of Jesus' victory.
In summary, Hebrews 2:14-15 underscores the significance of Jesus' incarnation and His victory over death. It highlights His purpose to nullify the power of death and deliver humanity from the bondage of fear. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus defeated the devil and offers liberation to all who live in fear of death. This passage assures believers that through faith in Jesus, they can find freedom from the fear of death and the assurance of eternal life. It is an invitation to embrace the deliverance and hope that Jesus provides, knowing that His victory over death brings us into a new realm of freedom, faith, and abundant life.
See also: vs 11-13
Hebrews 2:14-15. Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.