Why is it so important that Jesus—God's Son—became human? Is it? Yes! But why? For one thing, people say they would believe in God, if only He appeared in front of them. If they could see Him, they'd believe.
Jesus did just that, but long before any of us reading this were alive.
He experienced life and death on earth for humanity's benefit.
Scripture
God did not choose angels to be the rulers of the new world that was coming, which is what we have been talking about. It is written in the Scriptures,
“Why are people even important to you? Why do you take care of human beings? You made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You put all things under their control.”
When God put everything under their control, there was nothing left that they did not rule. Still, we do not yet see them ruling over everything. [vss 5-8]
But we see Jesus, who for a short time was made lower than the angels. And now he is wearing a crown of glory and honor because he suffered and died. And by God’s grace, he died for everyone.
God is the One who made all things, and all things are for his glory. He wanted to have many children share his glory, so he made the One who leads people to salvation perfect through suffering. [vss 9-10]
(Hebrews 2:5-8 NCV) [Context– Hebrews 2]
Key phrase— We see Jesus, who for a short time was made lower than the angels
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Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
Who are the different persons spoken of in this Scripture text?
What is said about angels and humans? What is said about their status with God and on earth?
What did God put "under their control"? Is it that way now? Why or why not?
Where does it speak about Jesus? What is said about Him in relation to angels and humanity?
Reflection...
When the first humans were created, God gave them dominion over the earth, including the animals (Gen 1:26). But this changed when they chose what was forbidden to do (Gen 3:8-11).
They're lack of trust in God and their self-willed rebellion turned things upside down, until God could bring restoration.
This is the simple purpose of redemption—reconciliation and restoration. The Lord's redemptive work on the cross provides the way for anyone to be reconciled to God.
Restoration—turning things right-side up so to speak—was made possible when God changed places with us through His Son. It says He was, "for a short time... made lower than the angels."
The only way God could set things back in their original order required Jesus to experience human life to its fullest, including death. This is what is meant by Jesus being made "perfect through suffering."
Redemption, or salvation, is based on this great exchange initiated by God when He came and lived in the midst of those He created (John 1:1-3, 14).
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
Do you understand the purpose of Jesus' humanity? Do you see why it's important?
Why do you think it says Jesus wears a crown of glory and honor because He suffered and died? [see Hebrews 1:3]
How is Christ's humanity part of God's plan for salvation (redemption) for all people?
How does the truth that Jesus endured life and death on earth resonant with you?
Here's a free introduction for the book of Hebrews— Intro to studying Hebrews