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Today, as we celebrate God's insertion into our world through human birth, the author of Hebrews urges us to think deeply about "this Jesus." Of course our senses should savor the sight of sparkling lights, the aroma of evergreen boughs, the sound of familiar carols, and the rustle of gifts being opened. But to make the day complete, we need to make time to reflect on the necessity of His Incarnation—and how He is able to help us now.

1. What is the primary reason (vv. 14—15) that God the Son had to become flesh and blood?



2. What did Jesus' death accomplish?



3. Do you feel the power of the Devil broken in your life?



4. Do you feel delivered from the fear of dying?



5. What is the secondary reason (vv. 17—18) that Jesus needed to become "in every respect like us."



6. How should you perceive suffering differently because Jesus experience it?



7. How about temptation?

Thank God for our deliverance from the fear of dying, made possible only because a Person of the Trinity was "born in human form."

¹⁴Because God's children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—Jesus also became flesh and blood by being born in human form. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the Devil, who had the power of death. ¹⁵Only in this way could he deliver those who have lived all their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. ¹⁶We all know that Jesus came to help the descendants of Abraham, not to help the angels.

¹⁷Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. ¹⁸Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.

¹And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to God and are bound for heaven, think about this Jesus whom we declare to be God's Messenger and High Priest.

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, help me to fully embrace Your humanity as I do Your deity.

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