The Superiority and Suffering of God’s Final Word

Question/Prompt:

Jesus is shown to be better than angels in 2 aspects—in His deity (1:5–14) and in His humanity (2:5–18).

What role does Hebrews 2:1–4 play in this discussion and why would the author seem to interrupt this important argument by what he says in 2:1–4?

What connections do you find between verses 1–4 and the rest of the argument in Hebrews 2? What does the author mean in 2:3 regarding “neglecting” salvation? Does the author include himself in that warning? Do you think that Christians can “neglect” salvation? Give reasons for your answer.

How would you encourage a person who was afraid that they were “neglecting” his salvation? What would you say to help him avoid this situation? In Hebrews 2 the author quotes portions of Psalm 8? To what man does Psalm 8 historically refer? To whom does Psalm 8 refer prophetically? How does the author of Hebrews use this passage prophetically? What does the author mean that not all things are presently subjected to Jesus?

When you think of your own life, what areas is it that Jesus suffered and “tasted death” for you? How should you respond? Hebrews 2:14–18 refers to Jesus’ being like us in sharing our flesh and blood and even in sharing our temptations. How does Jesus’ humanity result in Satan being rendered powerless? In what ways are Christians free from the fear of death? What does the author mean that Jesus was “tempted in that which he suffered” (Hebrews 2:18)? How would you use this passage to encourage a person who may be afraid of death?