Hebrews 2:10-18

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

The Book of Hebrews presents the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ. Chapter 1 emphasizes his glorification, exaltation, and deity. Chapter 2 introduces his humiliation and incarnation—the profound truth that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the means by which he took on full humanity, uniting divine and human natures in one person. It is a doctrine wrestled with throughout church history, yet essential for our faith.

Previously, we compared sinless Adam before the fall to Jesus in the incarnation: full humanity, yet sinless. This passage lays out a profound doctrine with simple yet essential application.

For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one. For which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Three key truths emerge: Christ’s true and permanent incarnation, Christ as a powerful and perfect Savior, and God’s children as recipients of his aid.

Doctrine to Believe: The Importance of Truth

Christianity demands learning and understanding objective truth, not subjective feelings or mysticism. Doctrine simply means teaching, and it matters deeply. The author of Hebrews presents the incarnation as reality: God became flesh for a purpose.

God spoke through the prophets and now through his Son (Hebrews 1:1-3). This revelation forms our foundation. Doctrine combats error, like Gnosticism, which denied Christ’s true humanity, or modern mixtures incompatible with Scripture.

The audience had become dull of hearing, lazy in learning (Hebrews 5). They should have been teachers by now. North American Christianity often prioritizes attendance over discipleship, but Jesus commissions us to teach all he commanded (Matthew 28:20). The church is built on the apostles’ doctrine, with Christ as cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20).

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16).

Christ affirmed Scripture as God’s words. Paul defended the gospel as revelation from Christ, not man (Galatians 1:11-12). We grow to maturity, no longer tossed by every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:13-15).

Christ is Creator, Sustainer, and Lord (Hebrews 1; Colossians 1). Believers are new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). He saves perfectly, to the uttermost.

Doctrine in Action: Fulfillment of Prophecy

The doctrine shines in action through Old Testament fulfillment. Christ sanctifies; we are being sanctified (v. 11).

I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You (Psalm 22:22).

Psalm 22 is messianic: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (v. 1, quoted by Jesus on the cross, Matthew 27). It foretells piercing of hands and feet, mocking: “Let God deliver Him.” The author quotes in context, evoking the whole psalm of suffering Savior triumphant.

I will put My trust in Him (Isaiah 8:17). Here am I and the children whom God has given Me (Isaiah 8:18).

In Isaiah 8, Yahweh says, “I will put My trust in Him”—God trusting God, prefiguring the incarnate Christ’s dependence on the Father. These show Jesus in full humanity: trusting, suffering, tempted like us.

Doctrine in Application: Aid for God’s Children

Christ shared flesh and blood to destroy the devil’s power through death, freeing us from fear’s bondage (v. 14-15). He aids Abraham’s seed—not angels (v. 16)—made like brethren to be merciful High Priest, making propitiation (v. 17).

Because he suffered temptation, he aids the tempted (v. 18). We share humanity’s weakness, frailty, suffering, temptation. Christ lived perfectly in it, depending on the Father—not his own power.

Perseverance comes through reliance on this superior Savior, who brings many sons to glory. He does give aid to Abraham’s seed: Christ and believers united in him (Galatians 3:16; Romans 9:6-8; Psalm 105:6).

Trust him fully. Idolatry exalts self; faith depends on God. He keeps us, aids us, enables endurance.