November 20, 2023

Hebrews 2: 14, 15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. (NIV)

He overcame the elements, he overcame every kind of physical impediment, and he overcame death itself.*

The writer of Hebrews says that Jesus shared in our humanity. Do any of us have any idea what that cost him? We can’t know what it is like for God, who is not limited by time or space, to become subject to the law of gravity. We can’t imagine the horror of having his purity tainted by the nastiness of humanity. From being worshipped in heaven to being hated on earth. The body of Jesus grew tired, got hungry, attracted mosquitoes, needed a bath. He felt pain and loneliness. And every day he lived with the knowledge of his purpose and the horrible way it would be fulfilled. All because he loves us.

Because of his perfect life in a human body, Jesus’ death became the antidote to our death. He destroyed Satan’s power over death by his victory over death. To claim our emancipation from the fear of death, we only need to love him back. 

Jesus, literally, loved us to the earth and back.*