A Little Lower Than the Angels

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

 --Hebrews 2:9  (NKJV)

From the daily Bible reading on September 23, 2013 of Proverbs 6:30-35; Hebrews 2; Isaiah 11-13.

We know very little of the background of the Book of Hebrews, with most of our information coming from inference and clues from other sources. Some think its author was Paul, but it often differs in style from Paul's writings and makes no mention of him by name or to his apostolic authority. It is more likely that the book was written by one of his followers or close associates, such as Barnabas or Silas, but we just don't know for sure. Nor are we certain of who this letter was addressed to, its intended audience, but references and theology, including numerous quotes and allusions from the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the Septuagint, seem to indicate it was intended for Jewish converts living in Italy. Even the date the book was written is in question, with most evidence supporting its creation sometime in the mid to late sixties, likely after Paul's death but before the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

One thing we can be certain of is the good theme of this book, the superiority of Christ and so of Christianity. This central theme is developed by proving that Christ is superior in both His person and His priesthood and in "so great a salvation" (please see verse 3) that He offers to everyone. The book offers encouragement to its readers, believers who suffered some level of persecution though not to the point being martyred but were at risk of abandoning their faith and becoming apostate. This letter assures them that Jesus and His teachings are superior in every way to the Mosaic Law.

Today's focus verse centers a passage exemplifying just such a superiority of Jesus' priesthood as how His sacrifice for us allows for the restoration of what God intended for man. Man, who was created just a little lower than heaven's angels in rank, was given dominion over all the earth and everything in it, but this role was forfeited when man sinned. Jesus was willing to lower Himself to our level, a little lower than the angels that He ruled over in heaven, Himself having no sin so that He could take all the sin of the world upon Himself, that we might be washed clean by His blood. And by suffering and dying on our behalf He is crowned with glory and honor by God the Father. By the wondrous grace of God, Jesus tasted death so that we no longer have to fear death, that we might be spared the second and lasting death, that we might be saved. Believe and be restored by Christ's salvation. Amen.

Glorious Jesus, You came down to earth as one of us, born to woman as a small and vulnerable baby, allowed Yourself to be lower that the angels that serve You in heaven. And You did all this, precious Master, just for us, just so we have the chance to receive God's grace for ourselves and not perish but have everlasting life. Thank You, dearest Lord Jesus, for making such a sacrifice for us, for me. We pray in Your holiest name, Jesus our Savior. Amen.