9  We do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 10 It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2:10-11

From the earliest days of Christianity, followers of Jesus have marked the first day of the week, Sunday, as the Lord’s Day, and the day for celebrating his resurrection. So today in the midst of our observance of Lent we celebrate our Lord’s victory and coming glory.

We saw yesterday that the Old Testament prophets had “testified in advance to the sufferings destined for Christ and the subsequent glory.” That was the divine order destined for the Christ, first the cross and then the crown, first the suffering and then the glory.

Today we learn of God’s eternal purpose of also “bringing many children to glory.” From eternity past God has desired to share his glory. But glory for his children meant that Christ would first have to be made lower than the angels, come down and die in his children’s place.

Our text reveals that the Son of God came down and became one with us that “he might taste death for everyone.” In this, he has become the “pioneer” of our salvation. On the cross Jesus blazed the trail for us that leads to his eternal glory. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

Unworthy and undeserving, we yet will reign with Christ and share in the glory he opens up for us. And in all this, he is “not ashamed,” our test assures us, not ashamed to call us “his brothers and sisters.” Christ has made us family! What the eternal Son is by nature he has made us by his grace.

There’s glory up ahead for us! It is this glory that the Apostle Paul revels in: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

Greek Orthodox bishop, Kallistos Ware (b. 1934) says: “Such is the message of the cross to each of us. However far I have to travel through the valley of the shadow of death, I am never alone. I have a companion. And this companion is not only a true man as I am, but true God from true God.”

MEDITATION

Soaking in Scripture…
Today’s Andy Moments…