King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Sunday, December 21, 2025
Chapters: Hebrews 1-5
Message: Hebrews: The Human Side of Christ
Hello My Friend,
As we begin the reading of Hebrews, we learn about the human side of Jesus, even though He is God in the flesh, He subjected Himself to the will of the Father to be made like one of us. The intent was more than to redeem fallen man, it was to set the example for every believer, [Hebrews 2:9-11 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,]
That is one powerful passage right there and reminder that those who believe in and accept Him as their Saviour are sanctified forever once and for all. Jesus said it this way, [John 17:19-21 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.]
The Book of Hebrews is the nineteenth book of the New Testament, the fifty-eighth book of the Bible, and contains thirteen chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is unknown, but since it was Timothy who penned it it was likely Paul, and it was written to the Jewish believers, known as Hebrews, around 70AD. The purpose of the letter was to show them that Judaism had come to an end through the fulfillment of the Gospel by Christ, and to present Christ as being supreme over all. What we are to learn from the book is that Christ is the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises, [Hebrews 8:6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.]
Many Jews had a superstitious or idolatrous respect for angels, they looked to them as mediators between God and man. Paul, thought it necessary to write them, he begins the letter a little differently than others that he wrote, he just comes right out to the point to let them basically know that Jesus rules.
[Hebrews 1:1-5 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son?]
In other words, over the centuries God dealt with man in different ways, and used the prophets to convey His message, but all that changed when He sent His Son. It is not uncommon for people to believe that angels are majestic and have special powers, but they are only God’s messengers. Now, there are angels with different roles such as the archangels, seraphim’s, and cherubim’s, but the only power they have is what God instructs them to do. Now, even though the Old Testament Jesus is known as the Angel of the LORD, the message is clear as to why Jesus is so much better than the angels. Paul, goes on to show how He differs from the angels.
[Hebrews 1:8-10,13-14 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. 10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?]
Paul, is actually going through the Old Testament Scriptures to point out what God spoke about in regards to His Son. Notice, that he makes it a point to show that Jesus was present at the same time that He created the earth. God is seen as three persons. Father, Son, and Spirit, and when He decided to create the heavens and earth that we know today all three persons were present, [Genesis 1:1-2,26-27 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. 26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.]
Angels are sent to minister to all of God’s children, those who accept Christ as their Saviour become heirs of salvation and are protected by them more than we realize. By the way, people do not turn into angels when they go up to heaven, angels are creations of God used for His purpose, [Revelation 3:5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.]
Everything on this earth will perish, but Christ has and always will be eternal. It is through our faith in Him alone that we are given eternal life to live with Him. No where is it written in any of the Scriptures that eternal life was granted to anyone based on merit or heritage. Next, Paul stresses the importance of their understanding that following the Law of Moses was not their salvation, and it never was, not even from the beginning.
[Hebrews 2:1-5 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; 4 God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? 5 For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak.]
It is not our place to discredit the Law of Moses in any way, yet we must remember that the entire Law ultimately pointed to Jesus. God intended that our faith should rest on solid ground and that our hope in the Gospel would stand on a firm and unshakable foundation. From the very beginning of the Scriptures, it was made clear that Christ would come in the flesh, fully human as we are, and willingly subject Himself to the Law. In doing so, He was made “a little lower than the angels,” identifying with us in every way except sin. Paul goes on to explain.
[Hebrews 2:7-8 Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: 8 Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. But now we see not yet all things put under him.]
Jesus showed us that although no one is saved by placing themselves under the Law, the Law still provides a pattern for how we are to live as true believers. If Christ, fully man, yet truly above the angels, humbled Himself to live in obedience to the Law in matters of conduct and righteousness, then surely we can follow His example. Jesus, said it this way, [John 13:13-15 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.]
Jesus did not submit Himself to the Law in order to gain salvation, but to show us the pattern of a redeemed and obedient life. And though God could have chosen any means to redeem humanity, He willingly subjected Himself to the very curse of sin that had fallen upon us all. From temptation to suffering, and even to death itself, the power in which Satan had on man was extinguished when Christ entered fully into our condition so that He might deliver us completely. Paul goes on to explain.
[Hebrews 2:14-18 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. 17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.]
This right here proves that Jesus is not just some spiritual being that God created to save man, nor just the Son of God, He is God in the flesh, sent through a woman, through the lineage of Abraham. Do you understand what that means? God, with all the power that He has, who can hear, see, do anything, and be anywhere, all at the same time, had one thing that He never experienced, and that was what it was like to live in the flesh. That all changed when He came here in the flesh through man, in the person of Jesus Christ. Succor, meaning to come to someone’s rescue, especially in a moment of weakness, suffering, or temptation. Because He lived in the flesh as we do, He understands our struggles perfectly and comes to our rescue to show us that sin has no power over us, [Hebrews 4:14-15 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.]
Speaking of high priests, next to worshiping the angels, the Jews had a high regard to Moses because he not only penned the Law but was their spiritual leader. Now that he covered the angels, it was also necessary for Paul to remind the Jews, who held Moses was just a man too.
[Hebrews 3:1-6 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; 2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honour than the house. 4 For every house is builded by some man; but he that built all things is God. 5 And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; 6 But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.]
Why did Paul refer to Jesus and High Priest of our profession? Christ is to be regarded as the Apostle of our profession, meaning the Messenger sent from God to save humanity, who is great Revealer of the faith we confess and the hope we hold. As the Christ, the Messiah, He was anointed for the sacred offices of both Apostle and High Priest, whom by the way was given this title by Melchizedek at the time of Abraham, [Genesis 14:18-19 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God. 19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:]
Christ is the Master of the house, His church, His people, and indeed our very Maker. Moses served faithfully within God’s household, but Christ, as the eternal Son of God, stands as its rightful Owner and Sovereign Ruler. Therefore, it is not enough merely to begin well in the ways of Christ; we must continue with steadfastness and perseverance, holding fast to Him until the end.
[Hebrews 3:12-15,18-19 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; 15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.]
Think about it, even from the very beginning man was saved by their faith in God and not their works. Not every Hebrew that left Egypt to the promised land made it, in fact, none of the elders except for Joshua and Caleb made it because of their unbelief, [Numbers 14:35,38 I the LORD have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still.]
People leave this world every day believing they were saved because they lived a certain way or followed a particular religion. Yet tragically, many awaken in hell, not because God failed them or wanted them there, but because they turned their hearts away from Christ. Jesus accomplished for us what we never could and never will be able to do for ourselves. And to be honest, one of the main reasons people reject Him is because He is the very Word of God made flesh, and His truth exposes the true condition of the heart. Paul explains.
[Hebrews 4:2–6 For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. 3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. 5 And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest. 6 Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:]
This is where many religions falter: they point salvation back to human effort, as though we could earn God’s favor by our own merit. But that has never been acceptable to God. Nowhere in Scripture, even before the blood of lambs and goats was offered for temporary atonement, did salvation ever rest on a person’s own self righteousness. From the very beginning, redemption has always pointed to God’s grace, in other words, they enter in that rest that only Christ can give.
[Hebrews 4:8-12 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.]
This is the heart of the Gospel. The one who enters God’s rest stops relying on their own works for righteousness, just as God ceased from His works on the seventh day. Salvation is not earned; it is received by our faith alone in Christ. God’s Word exposes everything. It cuts through every excuse, every mask, every hidden motive. It reaches the deepest places of the soul, where thoughts are formed and intentions are born. Nothing is hidden from God’s Word, and nothing can stand against it. Paul goes on to show that even the earthly high priests had to be redeemed before they could offer sacrifices to God. They were sinners themselves, needing atonement before they could stand on behalf of the people. But Christ is altogether different.
[Hebrews 4:14-16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.]
Unlike the priests of old, He is not distant or untouched by our struggles. He feels the weight of our weaknesses because He entered fully into our humanity. He was tempted in every way we are, yet without sin. And because of this, we are invited to come boldly, not arrogantly, but confidently, to the throne of grace. Christ’s perfect priesthood opens the way for us to approach God freely, knowing that our High Priest understands us, sympathizes with us, and stands ready to help in every time of need, which Paul goes on to explain.
[Hebrews 5:1-5 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.]
Because Jesus Himself was weak and subjected to sin, He could deal gently with those who were ignorant. He understood their struggles because he shared in the same human frailty. The priesthood was not a position someone could seize or earn; it was a calling from God, just as Aaron had been called. In the same way, Christ did not exalt Himself or grasp at the title of High Priest His Father appointed Him, He simply led by example, [Exodus 28:1 And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.]
We will never be sinless while we live in this flesh, but we can be faithful. We show our love for Christ by choosing, day after day, to walk in the faith we profess. In fact, the very suffering we have faced because of sin is what teaches us how real the struggle is and how desperately we need Jesus every hour of every day.
[Hebrews 5:7-11 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. 11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.]
Though He is the eternal Son, He “learned obedience” through the things He suffered, not because He was ever disobedient, but because He experienced obedience from within human weakness. Through that suffering, He was “made perfect”, fully qualified as our Redeemer and became the Author finisher of our faith, [Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.]
Today’s Prayer: Jesus, I will never fully understand how I can be saved simply by believing in and accepting You as my Saviour, but I do understand that I am saved by my faith alone in Your finished work. Thank You for saving me, it is not always easy to get through the pains and sorrows, but I know I can endure them through You. Lord, Lead me and guide me, teach me Your truths so that I can teach them to others, and when I start to doubt or feel like things are hopeless, keep me looking to You, my Saviour, my God, my everything. I love You, LORD, and am nothing without You. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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