Within the first 100 years after Jesus’ ministry, a lot of talk about Him was still going around. Some of it was inaccurate (hmmm…imagine that!). To help people sort out the information, there was a need to get the Truth down on “paper”—and voila!—the New Testament was written. The New Testament book of Hebrews offers one of the best explanations of who, exactly, Jesus is. Given today’s fascination with the “historical Jesus” (but not necessarily the “biblical Jesus”), Hebrews will help you lock in on the true information about Jesus.
1. Digging In (God, Show Me!)
Spend a few minutes meditating on the three Hebrews passages below. To best interact with these verses you may want to print them or paste them into an e-doc. As you read, notice every mention of Jesus. When you see something that describes Jesus draw a cross over the reference or, if you’re using an e-device, select/highlight in red.
Hebrews 1:1-4
1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
Hebrews 2:14-18
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he [Jesus] too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Hebrews 4:14-15
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
When you’ve finished reading and marking, look over what you’ve marked. Use the headings below to list how Jesus is like God and how Jesus is like us.
How Is Jesus Like God? How Is Jesus Like Us?
2. Taking It Inward (God, Teach Me!)
Think for a minute about the two lists you just made. After you’ve pondered, circle two things from each list that stand out the most to you. Then jot down your responses to the following questions:
In what ways have you taken for granted your relationship with Jesus?
What temptations continue to nag you? How does it help to know that Jesus was made like you in every way and was also tempted?
Did you notice that Jesus is exactly like God, yet He was made like us in every way? Think on that for a minute.
3. Seal the Deal (God, Change Me!)
What is God prompting you to do in response to what His Word says about Jesus? Here are some jump-start ideas:
- Share a thought on your favorite social media app about these verses.
- Make a change in your life—a behavior, an attitude—that reflects your trust that Jesus is who these verses say He is.
- Find out more about Jesus by reading the entire chapters of Hebrews 1 and 2 from your Bible (it will only take about 10 minutes). Journal in a separate notebook everything you learn about Jesus Christ. Remember, detail counts.