2022-Q1-L4

2022-Q1-L4: Jesus, Our Faithful Brother

Read for This Week’s Study: Lev. 25:25–27; Heb. 2:14–16; Heb. 11:24–26; 1 Cor. 15:50; Heb. 5:8, 9; Heb. 12:1–4.

Memory Text: “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” (Hebrews 2:14, NKJV).

Note on previous lesson

PP 36.2: The King of the universe summoned the heavenly hosts before Him, that in their presence He might set forth the true position of His Son and show the relation He sustained to all created beings. The Son of God shared the Father's throne, and the glory of the eternal, self-existent One encircled both. About the throne gathered the holy angels, a vast, unnumbered throng—“ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” (Revelation 5:11.), the most exalted angels, as ministers and subjects, rejoicing in the light that fell upon them from the presence of the Deity. Before the assembled inhabitants of heaven the King declared that none but Christ, the Only Begotten of God, could fully enter into His purposes, and to Him it was committed to execute the mighty counsels of His will. The Son of God had wrought the Father's will in the creation of all the hosts of heaven; and to Him, as well as to God, their homage and allegiance were due. Christ was still to exercise divine power, in the creation of the earth and its inhabitants. But in all this He would not seek power or exaltation for Himself contrary to God's plan, but would exalt the Father's glory and execute His purposes of beneficence and love.

PP 36.3: The angels joyfully acknowledged the supremacy of Christ, and prostrating themselves before Him, poured out their love and adoration. Lucifer bowed with them, but in his heart there was a strange, fierce conflict. Truth, justice, and loyalty were struggling against envy and jealousy. . . .

1SP 17.2: The great Creator assembled the heavenly host, that he might in the presence of all the angels confer special honor upon his Son. The Son was seated on the throne with the Father, and the heavenly throng of holy angels was gathered around them. The Father then made known that it was ordained by himself that Christ, his Son, should be equal with himself; so that wherever was the presence of his Son, it was as his own presence. The word of the Son was to be obeyed as readily as the word of the Father. His Son he had invested with authority to command the heavenly host. Especially was his Son to work in union with himself in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out his will and his purposes, but would do nothing of himself alone. The Father's will would be fulfilled in him.

Notes from ComeAndReason

With respect to the Christian life offered by the gospel: The outcome of your life and up to you. God will not force His will on you. You make the decision yourself.

Justice is allowing everyone to make their own choice on the message of salvation. No one will be in Heaven who didn't want to be there.

From the lesson (on Sunday) [on Hebrews 2:14-16]: Worse, there was a death penalty that our transgression required, which we could not pay (Rom. 6:23). Thus, our situation was apparently hopeless.

Hebrews 2:15: and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Our slavery is the "fear of death." Fear of death causes sin. Adam and Eve sinned and were in fear. In fear of what? Fear leads to self protection. Me first. We are enslaved to our carnal nature, our selfish nature.

Thought experiment: Imagine that one day God destroys (or exiles) Satan and all his evil angels. They are no longer around to tempt mankind. Would sin cease on planet Earth at that moment?

Irrespective of Satan and his angels, we are all under the power of fear (i.e. the fear of death) and selfishness.

ST July 11, 1895, par. 5: The Lord says, “I will put enmity between thee and the woman.” The enmity does not exist as a natural fact. As soon as Adam sinned, he was in harmony with the first great apostate, and at war with God; and if God had not interfered in man's behalf, Satan and man would have formed a confederacy against heaven, and carried on united opposition against the God of hosts. There is no natural enmity between evil angels and evil men; both are evil through transgression of the law of God, and evil will always league against good. Fallen men and fallen angels enter into a desperate companionship.

The root problem for us is not Satan. The root problem is our carnal nature. Satan being around does not help. Also, it is possible to become demon possessed where we surrender our will to him. But that is not the problem for the majority of people.

What then is necessary to FREE us from this power within us? Do we need a death penalty satisfied to FREE us?

DA 761.4: In the opening of the great controversy, Satan had declared that the law of God could not be obeyed, that justice was inconsistent with mercy, and that, should the law be broken, it would be impossible for the sinner to be pardoned. Every sin must meet its punishment, urged Satan; and if God should remit the punishment of sin, He would not be a God of truth and justice. When men broke the law of God, and defied His will, Satan exulted. It was proved, he declared, that the law could not be obeyed; man could not be forgiven. Because he, after his rebellion, had been banished from heaven, Satan claimed that the human race must be forever shut out from God's favor. God could not be just, he urged, and yet show mercy to the sinner.

DA 762.2: The law requires righteousness,—a righteous life, a perfect character; and this man has not to give. He cannot meet the claims of God's holy law. But Christ, coming to the earth as man, lived a holy life, and developed a perfect character. These He offers as a free gift to all who will receive them. His life stands for the life of men. Thus they have remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God. More than this, Christ imbues men with the attributes of God. He builds up the human character after the similitude of the divine character, a goodly fabric of spiritual strength and beauty. Thus the very righteousness of the law is fulfilled in the believer in Christ. God can “be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.” Romans 3:26.

Heart transformation. "Christ imbues men..." It is right and just for God to restore those who are dying.

There is no penal/legal system here described. Christ didn't die to pay for your sins. He died to break the bonds of sin. He died to make a way for God to "legally" restore you to life and freedom. Meaning, Christ death broke/destroyed Satan's lie about the nature of love, truth and righteousness.

Divinity cannot be tempted. Jesus was tempted in his human nature, and overcame in his human nature.

Adam and Eve did not have a "legal" problem, they had a "lethal" problem.

From the lesson (on Tuesday): Then Jesus destroyed the power of the devil by dying as the sinless offering for our sins, thus making possible our forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Heb. 2:14-17).

It's not Satan having power over us. It's sin having power over us.

What is required for the sinner to be saved and healed? "Repent and be baptized...to receive the spirit." Allowing God to enter the heart. God will only heal those who want to be healed. Our healing requires our active participation. Our participation is largely yielding our will to His.

We first TRUST God. God then gives us the REMEDY. The remedy is the life of Christ in the heart.

The power of Satan is the lies that he tells. We are freed from lies by learning the truth.

From the lesson (on Wednesday): 1. Jesus was “perfected” through sufferings in order to become the Captain of our salvation (Heb. 2:10). Jesus had to die on the cross as a sacrifice so that the Father could have the legal means to save us.

Hebrews 5:8-9: Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

Hebrews 5:9 (NET): And by being perfected in this way, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

God cannot create "character." Character is developed through the choices we, as volitional beings, make (i.e. use of one's will).

Notes from Hinsdale

Why did Jesus have to become like us in order to save humanity? Answers:

Because he needed to be our example. (Develop this thought.)

Because he needed to defeat Satan through love and truth versus hate and lies.

Hebrews 2:14: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil

Jesus became "flesh and blood."

Ephesians 6:12: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

We have more powerful forces than "flesh and blood." Our flesh and blood are fallen, weak, susceptible to temptation and sin. Flesh and blood is weak, defeated, corrupt and under the power of Satan.

1 Corinthians 15:50: I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Hebrews 7:26: For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Romans 7:14: I am carnal, sold under sin...

Jesus became like us in order for us to become like him. We are powerless to overcome sin without divine help. The power Jesus used, is the power we can receive and use.

Hebrews 2:10: made perfect through suffering.

Luke 22:42: not my will but yours be done.

Notes from Emmanuel

Hebrews 2:10-18: For it was fitting that he [the Father], for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder [the Son] of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.” 13 And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children God has given me.” 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

For sanctification. It was essential for the Son to take on humanity, so that he could help those who suffer under temptation. It is the concept of sanctification.

Jesus took on fallen humanity, not pre-fallen humanity.

Con 31.3: In the desolate wilderness, Christ was not in so favorable a position to endure the temptations of Satan as was Adam when he was tempted in Eden. The Son of God humbled Himself and took man's nature after the race had wandered four thousand years from Eden, and from their original state of purity and uprightness. Sin had been making its terrible marks upon the race for ages; and physical, mental, and moral degeneracy prevailed throughout the human family.

It was a fallen humanity that he received, but he never yielded to it.

The humanity of Jesus needed to be "perfected." It would not be his divinity, because it was by definition, already perfect.

Note from It Is Written

Our Brother. The Son of Man. Not ashamed. Jesus is my brother. He is my older brother. He is my stronger brother.

Our Brother as our Redeemer.

Our kinsman-redeemer (go'el). Leviticus 27:9-25; 25:47-55. Numbers 35. Redeems property or person. Also the avenger of blood (justice).

Hebrews 9:15-22. "... For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive...."

Hebrews 2:17: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect. In everything that has to do with being a human being. In a Biblical sense, it does not have to do with "sinfulness." Sinfulness is not essential to being a human being.

Hebrews 2:10: For it was fitting that he [the Father], for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder [the Son] of their salvation perfect through suffering.

We learn through suffering. However, there was something more that Jesus learned from suffering. Suffering made him able to be our Savior.

Hebrews 12:2: ...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith...

Author (Greek: archegos). Chief leader or chief example. Archegos is the originator or founder of a movement and continues as the leader. Also used in Hebrews 2:10 referring to Jesus as the captain of our salvation.

El Capitan - climbing the nose. Took 47 days in 1958.

Perfecter (Greek: teleiotes). "one who brings something to a successful conclusion."

Obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:7-10)

Hebrews 5:7-10: In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

It does not mean that Jesus was ever disobedient but rather that He learned through experience as a Man and through all His temptation and suffering what it meant to suffer and triumph in a way He did not experience before the incarnation.

It is one thing to be obedient when everything is going well. It is another when we suffer and God does not take away our suffering. Jesus overcame the temptation to doubt God's goodness. He was obedient unto death. Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him.

He became perfect in terms of "function." The experience of this suffering perfectly fitted Jesus to become our Savior and High Priest and King.

Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith (in God).

Perfect (telioo) occurrences 19 of 24 times in the NT. Perfect or perfection was important in the Letter to the Hebrews.

Hebrews 7:19: (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Frustration with the Law. The Old Covenant could reveal sin but it could never remove sin, and so it had to be removed. It gave no security. It gave no peace for a man never obtained a clean conscience. The Law revealed the problem, but did not provide the solution. We remained sinners.

No perfection possible under the Old Covenant. It always came short of completeness.

The concept of us being "made perfect" just like Jesus.

Hebrews 11:40: since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 12:23: and to the assembly [church] of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,

Jesus was already perfect in his divine and human nature. But he was made perfect as a sympathizer, as one having gone through trials and suffering and death. He came to understand and sympathize what we go through.

Obedience of faith. In truth, most Christians are antinomian (anti=against + nomos=law and so living as if there were no laws). That is, wanting the eternal benefits of being a Christian without the obedience of faith.

Romans 1:5: "...the obedience of faith..."

Romans 16:26: "...to bring about the obedience of faith..."

2 Corinthians 10:5: We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,

As Christ obeyed the Father, we are to obey Christ. It is the obedience that comes from faith. Believing a doctor is to accept and obey his treatment.

Faith and obedience are bound up together. He that obeys God, trusts God; and he that trusts God, obeys God.

SUNDAY. The Brother as a Redeemer

Leviticus 25:25-27: If your brother becomes poor and sells part of his property, then his nearest redeemer shall come and redeem what his brother has sold. 26 If a man has no one to redeem it and then himself becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it, 27 let him calculate the years since he sold it and pay back the balance to the man to whom he sold it, and then return to his property.

Leviticus 25:47-49: If a stranger or sojourner with you becomes rich, and your brother beside him becomes poor and sells himself to the stranger or sojourner with you or to a member of the stranger's clan, 48 then after he is sold he may be redeemed. One of his brothers may redeem him, 49 or his uncle or his cousin may redeem him, or a close relative from his clan may redeem him. Or if he grows rich he may redeem himself.

Hebrews 2:14-16: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham.

From the lesson: Fifty years [year of Jubilee] was a long time to wait, however. That’s why the Law of Moses also stipulated that the nearest relative could pay the part that was still owed and, thus, ransom his relative much sooner. The nearest relative was also the one who guaranteed that justice was done in the case of a murder. He was the avenger of the blood who would pursue the murderer of his close relative and punish him (Num. 35:9-15).

Notes

Justice, under imposed Law, requires infliction of punishmenton the violator. If there is no infliction of punishment, then there is no accountability.

Justice, under design Law, punishment is the consequence of violating the Law (or principle).

Do we measure the OT by Jesus, or do we measure Jesus by the OT. By which lens do you make the evaluation. Is it through the eyes of Jesus, or throw the eyes of Moses.

Relatives (a brother) are supposed to help brothers. Jesus was the able brother.

MONDAY. Not Ashamed to Call Them Brothers

Scriptures:

Hebrews 2:11: For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,

Hebrews 11:24-26: By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

Matthew 10:32-33: So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

2 Timothy 1:8, 12: Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

Hebrews 13:12-15: So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. 13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. 14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.

From the lesson: This was part of the problem for the readers of Hebrews. After suffering persecution and rejection, many of them began to feel ashamed of Jesus. By their actions some were in danger of putting Jesus “to an open shame” instead of honoring Him (Heb. 6:6). Thus, Paul constantly calls the readers to “hold fast” the “confession” of their faith (Heb. 4:14, Heb. 10:23, NKJV).

TUESDAY. Flesh and Blood Like Us

Scriptures:

Hebrews 2:14: Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil,

2 Corinthians 5:21: For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Romans 13:14: But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Matthew 16:17: And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

Galatians 1:16: was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;

1 Corinthians 15:50: I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.

Ephesians 6:12: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

Notes

Jesus took our nature so that we in turn can take on his nature.

Jesus did not have the "desire" to sin.

Jesus did not have the "propensity" to sin.

Temptation is not sin. Yielding to temptation is sin.

WEDNESDAY. Perfected Through Sufferings

Scriptures:

Hebrews 2:10: For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Hebrews 2:17-18: Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Hebrews 5:8-9: Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,

From the lesson: The apostle says that God made Jesus “perfect through sufferings.” This expression is surprising. The author has said that Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (Heb. 1:3, ESV) and that He is sinless, spotless, undefiled, and holy (Heb. 4:15, Heb. 7:26-28, Heb. 9:14, Heb. 10:5-10). Jesus did not have to overcome any kind of moral or ethical imperfection. He was perfect both morally and ethically.

Notes

Jesus suffered to: bring many sons to Glory. The cross before the crown. The shame of this life for the exaltation of the next.

Jesus suffered to: be a compassionate Savior.

Jesus suffered to: be a faithful High Priest.

We surrender our will some of the time, but not all of the time.

When we surrender our will to God, everything else falls into place. We adopt the right and true priorities; we have peace; we have God's blessing and reward.

Proverbs 16:7: When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Jesus manifested the attitude that all of the heavenly host practice, that of obedience to the will of God. He, however, had to learn it in the midst of suffering.

Also, it was through suffering that the true nature of godliness became manifest.

THURSDAY. The Brother as a Model

Scriptures:

Hebrews 12:1-4: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. 4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.

Notes

Looking to Jesus. Run looking at the leader(s), because those at the front are the ones who are going to win the race.

James 4:7. Submit to God.

John 15:5. Without me you can do nothing.

Matthew 11:28-30. Yoke up with Jesus.

Philippians 1:6: And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

FRIDAY. Further Thought: Hebrews 2:13 contains the words of Jesus to His Father talking about His brethren: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me” (Heb. 2:13, NKJV). Patrick Gray suggests that Jesus is described here as the guardian of His brothers. The Roman system of tutela impuberum determined that at their father’s death, “A tutor, often an older brother, became responsible for the care of minor children and their inheritance until they reached the age of majority, thus heightening the older brother’s natural duty to take care of his younger siblings.” — Godly Fear: The Epistle to the Hebrews and Greco-Roman Critiques of Superstition [Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2003), p. 126. This explains why Hebrews refers to us both as the siblings of Jesus, as well as His children. As our older brother Jesus is our tutor, our guardian, and protector.

Hebrews 2 (text and commentary)

Hebrews 2:5 (NET): For he did not put the world to come, about which we are speaking, under the control of angels.

Hebrews 2:6-8 (NET): Instead someone testified somewhere: “What is man that you think of him [Greek, remember him] or the son of man that you care for him? 7 You made him lower than the angels for a little while. You crowned him with glory and honor. 8 You put all things under his control.” For when he put all things under his control, he left nothing outside of his control. At present we do not yet see all things under his control,

Ibid. Quotes Psalm 8:4-6.

Ibid. "all things under his control" is repeated three times in verse 8.

Hebrews 2:16 (NET): For surely his concern is not for angels, but he is concerned for Abraham’s descendants.

EGW

1SM 244.1: The humanity of the Son of God is everything to us. It is the golden chain that binds our souls to Christ, and through Christ to God. This is to be our study. Christ was a real man; He gave proof of His humility in becoming a man. Yet He was God in the flesh. When we approach this subject, we would do well to heed the words spoken by Christ to Moses at the burning bush, “Put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground” (Exodus 3:5). We should come to this study with the humility of a learner, with a contrite heart. And the study of the incarnation of Christ is a fruitful field, which will repay the searcher who digs deep for hidden truth.

3SM 126.4: As we review these beautiful, and at times seemingly unfathomable, truths, we are reminded of this Ellen G. White statement: “The incarnation of Christ has ever been, and will ever remain a mystery.”—Letter 8, 1895 (published in The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 5, p. 1129).