[Q5. Why Jesus Had to Become Human]

Q5. (Hebrews 2:16-18) Why in God's plan did Jesus have to become human like us? How does his humanity provide encouragement and help to us when we are in trouble?

Jesus had to become like us because if God revealed himself in his fullness any other way we would not be able to receive him.

A friend of mine tells it like this: If we were ants and god revealed himself as anything other than an ant we would either die of fright or completely miss the significance. His humanity is so that when we say "You don't understand. You've never been where I am." He says "Yes I have! And then some. I am here for you and I understand what you are going through"

[Q4. The Purpose of Christ's Death]

Q4. (Hebrews 2:14-15) What was the purpose of Christ's death according to verses 14 and 15? In what sense is this mission accomplished? In what sense will it see its final completion in the future? What is the result in our lives from Christ's accomplishment?

4Since 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

[Q1. The Value of Suffering]

Jesus suffered during His life and death in the following ways;

i) He was ostracized by His own family for His desire to be 'about His father's work'

ii) He was grief stricken at the lack of faith of the Jewish people.

iii) He was discounted by His hometown neighbours.

iv) He was grieved at the death of a friend, Lazarus.

v) He suffered physical abuse at the hands of those who claimed to know God.

vi) He suffered deeply in His soul when separated and rejected by His heavenly father.

How are we likely to suffer?

i) Perhaps rejection and ridicule

ii) In some cultures we may suffer physical abuse and perhaps even death for our faith in Jesus Christ.

Does suffering have value?

I suppose it does but I'd rather not have to. I need to give this a bit more thought. I'm not so sure God means for us to suffer unnecessarily.

[Q1. The Idea of "Son"]

Q1. (Hebrews 1:2) In what way do you think the author of Hebrews is using the word "Son"? As a metaphor? As a biological relationship? How would a Son's words have more weight than a prophet's?

I believe that the writer is referring to Jesus as 'The Son' of God which gives Him, (Jesus) the authority of 'The Father'. This relationship would be well understood by the men of the times. Even today in the middle east, I believe the firstborn son is the one with the father's authority. IE: in business. The prophets were as hirelings. The Son has authority to speak 'As the Father'.