The Daily Office for February 26, 2012
Scriptures
Psalm 63
Daniel 9:3-10
Hebrews 2:10-18
John 12:44-50
Reading (Hebrews 2:10-18)
Reflection
Today's passage from Hebrews offers several reasons why Christ suffered on our behalf. First, it was necessary for His identification with humanity. For God to become truly human, He must suffer and even taste death. Jesus is identified here as the captain (Greek archēgos) of our salvation. The word is also used of Christ in Acts 5:31 and in Hebrews 12:2. Can the Son of God somehow fall short of perfection? Surely He cannot in His deity, but in His relation to humanity He could. Christ’s absolute identity with humanity is stressed several times in these verses. He is not ashamed to be identified with us. How could we ever be ashamed of Him?
The second reason given as to why it was necessary for Christ to suffer is next provided. He had to suffer in order to destroy the power and fear of death. The word translated destroy (Greek katargeō) does not convey the thought of annihilation. The word means “to make inoperative” or “ineffective.” Through His resurrection from death, Christ broke the hold which Satan possessed over us.
The third reason suggested here is that He might become an intercessory high priest for us. In verses 17 and 18 the author introduces the high priestly nature of Jesus for the first time. As a man He can compassionately serve as our High Priest. His primary role as High Priest is to make reconciliation for the sins of His people. As our High Priest, He does not merely make atonement (a covering) for our sins; He satisfactorily and actually takes sin away. What a wonderful Saviour we have!
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ fasted forty days in the wilderness, and was tempted as we are, yet without sin: give us grace to discipline ourselves in obedience to your Spirit; and, as you know our weakness, so may we know your power to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.