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A Strong Hand

Hebrews 2:10-18 shows us that we are never truly trapped.

10 In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 11 Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. 12 He says,

“I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again he says,

“Here am I, and the children God has given me.”

14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

ARCHEGOS

Jesus is described as the “archegos” which can mean

, Captain Leader, Founder, and

Reveal Answer

.

Hebrews places great importance on the

of Christ. This means that when Jesus was

Reveal Answer

, he was actually tempted.

God Has Spoken

Built into this text are three Old Testament quotes in verses 12-13 which are supplied as words from Jesus himself.
1. Psalm 22:22. Jesus speaks as the

son, prior to his birth.
2. Isaiah 8:17. Jesus speaks as the

Reveal Answer

son, incarnate as one of us.
3. Isaiah 8:18. Jesus speaks as the

Reveal Answer

son whose work is now done.

A Gracious Invasion

Satan is like the

driver in a slave encampment which holds all of humanity. Satan’s whip is

Reveal Answer

; the

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of which enslaves us.

Jesus stood tall and endured the whip of death so that he could liberate us.

The reason Jesus suffered wasn’t to appease some arbitrary requirement. Jesus suffered for

with us.

His

are his credentials which “perfect” him and make him a worthy high priest to intercede for us.

Jesus is our

, in all the best possible ways.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion:

1. Can you recall a time when you felt overwhelmed, trapped, or in need of help? How did God provide for you in that moment? What keeps us from fully trusting in God’s rescue?
2. Hebrews describes Jesus as our pioneer, captain, and big brother. How does viewing Jesus in these ways shape your understanding of his role in your life? In what ways has Jesus “gone ahead” of you to make a way forward?
3. Hebrews speaks of how Jesus frees us from slavery to the fear of death. How does fear—whether of death, failure, or suffering—hold people back from living fully in faith? How can Jesus’ victory over death give us courage to live differently?
4. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus’ suffering wasn’t just a payment but an act of solidarity with us. How does this change the way you think about suffering in your own life? In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ presence in your suffering?
5. Are there areas of your life where you feel stuck but struggle to let God take control? What practical steps can you take this week to surrender more fully to his strong hand?