June 9-13

Jesus Came to Secure Our Salvation

“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” — Hebrews 2:10 (ESV)

It’s a strange comfort to know that the founder of our salvation didn’t just float down on a cloud and declare us saved. He came through suffering. That’s not how most of us would design a rescue plan. Think about it. If we were writing the script, Jesus would’ve landed in Rome, overthrown Caesar, and started a global revival with thunder and lightning. Instead, He arrived as a baby in a feeding trough.

A pastor once joked that if Jesus had followed today’s social media strategies, He’d have scheduled a miracle tour and sold T-shirts. But God's plan was deeper. More painful. And perfectly suited to our needs.

Hebrews says Jesus was made perfect through suffering—not because He was flawed, but because His mission required real, lived pain. To be the perfect Savior, He had to enter our imperfection. Verses 16–18 remind us that He didn’t save angels but came for us. He became like us in every respect so that He could be our merciful and faithful High Priest. Jesus didn’t stay distant; He got dirt under His fingernails. And that’s why we can trust Him with every part of our story—because He lived it, suffered it, and redeemed it.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where are you tempted to think Jesus doesn’t understand your struggle?
2. How does knowing Jesus suffered change the way you trust Him?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, help me to rest in the salvation Jesus secured through suffering, and to trust Him fully in my moments of weakness.

Jesus Came to Grow Us in Godliness

“For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.” — Hebrews 2:11 (ESV)

Priscilla Shirer tells a humorous story about her five-year-old son, JC, who tried to apply enough deodorant to last all week. His earnest yet insufficient attempt illustrates our own tendency to "slather on" spiritual truth once a week rather than seeking daily, fresh application. The Spirit reminded her that being a "sweet-smelling fragrance to the Lord requires a fresh application of His truth – not just on occasion, but every single day." (Priscilla Shirer, "Funny Stories, Spiritual Significance,"). Actual spiritual growth is a daily, moment-by-moment process of yielding to the Potter.

We are "being sanctified" is a continuous process, like lumpy clay on the Master Potter's wheel. The humor lies in our earnest, misguided attempts to "help" the Potter. Yet, Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brethren." Imagine the perfect Son of God proudly introducing His sometimes-unruly siblings. He embraces us in our messy, in-progress state.

Our spiritual growth journey is full of clumsy attempts to achieve godliness in our strength. God patiently shapes us, not expecting instant perfection but participation. He's not ashamed of our awkwardness; He embraces us. So, let's laugh at our missteps, knowing the Master Potter is at work and the Big Brother isn't ashamed to call us family.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where do you find yourself trying to "slather on" enough spiritual truth to last rather than seeking daily, fresh encounters with God?
2. How does the truth that Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brethren" encourage you in moments of spiritual struggle?

Suggested Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank You for Jesus, who saves and sanctifies us, inviting me into Your family. Forgive my clumsy attempts at spiritual growth. Help me embrace the daily process of becoming more like You, knowing Jesus is not ashamed to call me His own.

Jesus Came to Destroy the Power of Death

“...that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” — Hebrews 2:14–15 (ESV)

The powerful newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst obsessively feared death, forbidding the word in his presence. His gardeners even painted dead palm leaves green to hide them from him. Hearst, with all his power, was utterly enslaved by the fear of his own demise, a historical testament to the oppressive "slavery" described in Hebrews 2:15. ("William Randolph Hearst's Fear of Death," SermonCentral.com).

In stark contrast, Jesus, with no earthly power, confronted death head-on, not by avoiding it, but by entering it. His death and resurrection rendered powerless the force that held Hearst and all humanity in terror. By taking on flesh and blood, Jesus did what no one else could: He used death to defeat death. The word “destroy” here doesn’t mean annihilate but to render powerless. Satan is still active, but he no longer holds the keys. The one who leveraged death as the ultimate threat has been made powerless by the cross and resurrection.

Pastor Jim reminded us that we live not as people tiptoeing around death but as those walking in resurrection light. You don’t have to fear what Jesus has already conquered.

Reflection Questions:
1. How has a fear of death or suffering influenced your decisions?
2. What does it look like to live in the freedom Christ purchased?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to destroy the fear and power of death. Help me walk in the freedom He secured.

Jesus Came to Secure Our Salvation (Through His Incarnation)

“For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.” — Hebrews 2:16 (ESV)

Once, a wealthy woman, not recognizing Booker T. Washington, asked if he would chop wood for a few dollars. The renowned educator, without hesitation, rolled up his sleeves and did the humble chore. When the woman later discovered his identity and was mortified, Washington simply replied, "It's all right, madam, I'm always glad to do anything that needs to be done." (Our Daily Bread). Just as Washington, a man of great stature, willingly took on a humble task, Christ, the Son of God, willingly took on the humble, messy, and often undignified task of becoming human to meet our need for salvation.

A pastor once joked, “If God wanted to save frogs, He would’ve become a frog. But He wanted to save us—so He became one of us.” Humorous, yes—but deeply theological. Hebrews 2:16–17a reminds us that Jesus didn’t come to rescue angels. He came for people. It was an act of divine compassion. The Son of God clothed Himself in flesh, not just to observe us but to identify with us fully. By becoming one of us, Jesus was able to represent us. He is our High Priest who understands the human struggle firsthand. This was Pastor Jim’s reminder: Jesus wasn’t a distant Savior; He walked in our shoes so He could lead us to salvation.

Reflection Questions:
1. What difference does it make that Jesus experienced life like you do?
2. How does the incarnation shape your trust in God’s care for you?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for becoming one of us. Help me remember You understand my life and lead me closer to Your heart.

Jesus Came to Secure Our Salvation (Through His Crucifixion and Invitation)

“...to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” — Hebrews 2:17b–18 (ESV)

A woman once asked her pastor, “Why would God let His Son go through so much pain?” The pastor replied, “Because the cross is the only way to open the door for you and me.” Hebrews 2:17b–18 reminds us that Jesus didn’t just sympathize with our sin—He satisfied the justice of God on our behalf.

The word “propitiation” is rich with meaning. It refers to the turning away of wrath by a sacrifice. In the Old Testament, this happened repeatedly with animals. But Jesus made one final, perfect offering. Through the cross, He took our place, bore our guilt, and absorbed the wrath we deserved. Salvation wasn’t cheap—it was paid in full.

But He didn’t stop at the cross. Verse 18 offers an incredible promise: because Jesus suffered and was tempted, He is able to help us when we are tempted. That’s not a distant offer—it’s a personal invitation. The Savior who bled for us also walks with us daily. Pastor Jim reminded us that salvation isn’t just a past event—it’s a present relationship. Jesus invites us into a life where we don’t battle sin alone. He helps us, hears us, and holds us.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does knowing Jesus suffered for you change the way you face temptation?
2. Are you leaning on His help in the daily battles of life?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord, thank You for suffering in my place. When I’m tempted, remind me that You understand and are right here to help.