Hebrews 2:5-9 “The Second Adam, Jesus Christ”

Hebrews 2:5-9 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Elevation Worship – O come to the altar
• King of Kings – Hillsong Worship
• Cody Carnes – Christ Be Magnified

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Kids 222 Hebrews 2:5-18 – Lesson for Kids
• Like A Lion God’s Not Dead Hand Motions – Song for Kids
• Every Move I Make I Make In You – Song for Kids
• Power in the Blood | Jerusalem Marketplace VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The “world to come” (v. 5) refers to the new heaven and new earth that Jesus will establish when he returns. The author states that God did not place that world under the control of angels but under the rule of Jesus Christ. To support this point, the author quotes Psalm 8:4-6. The phrase “someone has testified somewhere” (v. 6) reflects the fact that, at that time, the chapter and verse divisions in Scripture had not yet been established.

The author interprets Psalm 8:4-6 as a prophecy about what would happen to the Messiah and what would happen through the Messiah. With this understanding, the terms “man” and “son of man” (v. 6) refer to Jesus who came in the flesh. The statement “You made him a little lower than the angels for a little while” (v. 7) indicates that Jesus was humbled to a physical, earthly state. The phrase “You crowned him with glory and honor” refers to his resurrection and ascension (1:4), and the statement “You put everything under his feet” (v. 8) signifies that Jesus has been given authority over all creation.

The reason God did this for his Son was to exalt all people through him. God’s Son became human, suffered, died, and was then exalted so that all people might be lifted up in him. Just as all humanity was brought low through the first Adam, God’s purpose was to exalt all humanity through the second Adam. This is why the author adds, “In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them” (v. 8). Jesus was first exalted so that all people might be exalted in him.

However, this work that began in Jesus is not yet complete. The statement, “At present we do not see everything subject to them” (v. 8) can refer both to “Jesus” and to “humankind.” Only when Jesus appears again will everything be fully subjected to him, and people will reign with him. For this purpose, Jesus came in the flesh and was crucified on the cross. The author emphasizes that this was done “by the grace of God” (v. 9). God’s plan to save humanity through the sacrifice of his Son is entirely an act of grace toward us.

Meditation:

In this passage, the author uses the terms “man” and “son of man” from Psalm 8 with a dual meaning. On the surface, these terms refer to people like us. In Psalm 8, David marvels and praises God as he witnesses the glory of God filling the whole earth. At the same time, David expresses gratitude that the great and mighty God would care for humans — mere dust in the universe — and elevate them to dominion over creation. While human beings, in their physical nature, human beings are lower than spiritual beings like angels in terms of power, but they are higher in status. God entrusted the care of all living things to humanity’s hands.

The author of Hebrews identifies yet another meaning in Psalm 8. The passage is also a prophecy about the Son of God, who came in the flesh. The “Son” — who existed with God the Father from the beginning and participated in God’s creation — became “lower than the angels.” This refers to his coming into the flesh and living among us for about thirty years. It also points to his death on the cross, which was a temporary condition — a matter of “a little while.” After three days, he was raised from the dead and ascended to the right hand of God. As a result, he was given the highest name, and he will return again to bring all things fully under his rule.

In Romans 5, the apostle Paul reminds us that just as condemnation came to all people through the sin of the first Adam, salvation has come to all people through the second Adam, Jesus Christ. Just as all humanity was contained in Adam, so too is all humanity represented in Jesus, the true human. Thus, the condemnation that entered humanity through the first Adam has been removed through the second Adam, Jesus. To believe in Jesus Christ as Lord means that the old self has been crucified with him on the cross, and the new self has been raised with him. Ultimately, believers will participate in his resurrection and reign with him forever.

The salvation and restoration brought through Jesus Christ have already begun and will be completed when he returns. This completion has “not yet” come. He promised that the day would arrive like a thief at the night. Until then, we are called to cherish and share the “so great a salvation” that has been given to us by faith.

Prayer:

Lord, I stand in awe of the mystery of faith. Everything you endured is now made real in us through faith! Just as you died, let our old self be put to death. Just as you rose again, let us rise as new creations. Just as you were exalted, help us to know that you have already lifted us. When you return, all of this will become reality. Until that day, grant us unwavering faith and hope in that future. Help us to live in this world as those who know eternal life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Just like Jesus died and rose again, we can leave behind our old mistakes and fears and become new people through him. Jesus’ love changes us; one day, everything will be perfect when He comes again.

• For Preschool-Lower Elementary
  • Have you ever seen something change and become better, like a caterpillar turning into a butterfly? How do you think Jesus can change our hearts to be better?
  • Jesus promises to come back and make everything right. What’s one thing you hope will be made better when Jesus comes again?
• For Upper Elementary-Middle School
  • How can we “hold tightly” to Jesus even when feeling scared, sad, or confused?
  • The Bible says that believing in Jesus means our “old self” dies and our “new self” is born. What do you think that means in your everyday life?
• For High School
  • Jesus gives us hope for a better future when he returns. How does hope affect the way you deal with challenging situations now?
  • Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that God is changing us when we don’t feel different right away. What are some small signs that Jesus is working in you or the people around you?