the founder

Water cooler conversation:  

  • What was your biggest win this week? What was your biggest challenge?

  • What are you looking forward to most this Christmas season?

Unpack the Message:

In Hebrews 2:10, the author refers to followers of Christ as "sons and daughters." Though we are all God's creation, only those who have surrendered to Him as the author and finisher of our salvation are part of God's family. 

Only Jesus connects us with God. Jesus is the pioneer of our salvation; His death is the atonement for our sin. Hebrews 2:17-18 tells us it was imperative that He come to earth and become human to become our high priest - our representative before God. Hebrews 4:15 tells us that Jesus "understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin." By taking human form, Jesus can empathize with our suffering, fears, and pain. 

Only Jesus frees us from sin. His sacrifice at Calvary became the atonement for our sin. God is not only holy; He is just. In order for humanity to be reconciled to our Creator, the penalty for our sin had to be paid. Just as in the Old Testament the High Priest made atonement for the people's sins through blood sacrifice, Jesus shed His blood to atone for our sin. Only Jesus could free us from our sin. 

Only Jesus can help. Scripture tells us that Jesus suffered in every way we do, so no matter the battle we're fighting, He understands and empathizes with us. He suffered in every way we do and was tempted in every way we are and yet never sinned. 

Why was Jesus born as a human child? So that God could reconcile us to Himself, free us from our sin, and bring Him the glory He so rightly deserves. 

  • What’s the difference between being God’s creation vs. being His child? Why is that distinction so vitally important in light of eternity.

  • How could Christ be perfected through sufferings if He was already perfect (Hebrews 2:10)?

  • What do we learn about Jesus’ incarnation from this passage? What characteristics did He take on as a human?

  • Why is it significant that Jesus was tempted in the same ways we are? What lessons can we learn from Him about how to respond to temptation?

  • Hebrews 2:18 is a powerful promise. What are some of the areas in which we are being tested? How does Jesus help us understand and help us resist temptation? Would you have found it harder to trust Christ for help in any of these areas if He hadn’t come to earth and suffered?

  • If you’re comfortable with sharing, talk about a time in your life when Jesus helped you resist temptation.

Make a Move: 

Are you lonely or feel distant and disconnected this Christmas season? Remember that Jesus felt every pain and longing known to man, and longs to be in relationship with you. Remember that loneliness is a feeling, and feelings aren’t facts. Reach out to one of our pastors or your spiritual mentor and ask them to help you connect with God so He can relieve your hurt.

Prayer Prompt: 

Father, I thank you for the comfort of knowing that you have not forgotten me and never will. Forgive me for the times I haven’t trusted You or I doubted Your goodness. Renew my heart and mind through your truth and continue your healing work in my heart. Mend my brokenness and give me the courage to face the challenges life brings, knowing that you will never abandon me. Amen.