11 January 2023

For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.
Hebrews 2: 14-18, NRSV

In today’s reading, the author continues to explore what the humanity of Christ means. Throughout this letter, Christ is contrasted with angels. Although angels are traditionally considered as God’s messengers and therefore held in high regard, even they could not achieve what Christ was was able to in becoming human. Here we are told that Christ did not come to help the angels but to help people; the descendants of Abraham. When the author refers to Christ’s suffering, he is mainly referring to Christ’s passion and death, but also to the many temptations and trials that all humans face in life. Like us, Christ faced temptations of laziness, pride, jealousy, impatience, despair and so on. In sharing our human nature, Christ was able to understand our trials and to walk alongside us through them.

• • How does it feel to know that Christ faced all the temptations that we do? 
  • Have you ever experienced Christ’s presence in the face of a trial or temptation – how did this affect the outcome?

Reflect on any current trial or temptation that you are facing and ask Christ to walk with you as you face it.