Hello everyone. The verse of the week is Hebrews 2:9 which states, "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."

Three quick points from this verse...

1. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels. The writer of Hebrews spends the first chapter proving that Jesus is "so much better than the angels" (1:4). He argues that Jesus is the Eternal Son of God who created and sustains the universe (1:1-13). He also points out that angels are simply created spirits who minister to those who will inherit salvation (1:7, 14). Then, we read that Jesus was made lower than the angels. What does this refer to? It is a clear reference to the Son of God leaving heaven and becoming a man. Hebrews 2:14 states, "Inasmuch as the children have partaken in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same . . . " It is an amazing truth that the Lord Jesus Christ made Himself lower than the angels!

2. Jesus was made lower than the angels for the suffering of death. The Lord Jesus Christ entered this world for 1 reason. He came to die. He was willing to get on the heavenly elevator and travel waaaay down to this earth knowing that He was going to suffer and die. Why did he suffer? 1 Peter 3:18 states, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God . . . " The Lord Jesus Christ was beaten, scourged, punched, spit on, mocked, struck in the head, had his beard plucked out, and was crucified. He suffered.

3. By the grace of God Jesus tasted death for everyone. The good news the Bible contains is that Christ died for the sins of "everyone" on the cross. He tasted death for me and for you! Just consider...

- He drank the "cup" that was full of suffering (Matthew 26:39)
- He drank the "cup" that was full of God's anger (Revelation 14:10)
- He drank the "cup" that was full of God's fierce wrath (Rev 16:19)
- He drank the "cup" that was full of sins and filthiness (Rev 17:4)

The fact that Jesus tasted death, suffering, and God's wrath means that I do not have to taste it! He tasted it for me! All I have to do is believe. Then, spend the rest of my life rejoicing, thanking God, and living for the One who died for me.