#6 To Identify with Humanity - Part 3 series: Lessons on Hebrews

by John Lowe
(Woodruff, S.C.)

Special notes and Scripture
[1} “Christ” is a Hebrew word meaning the same thing is Mashiach, or as we know it—Messiah. So Christ is really more of a title than it is a name, although the Bible uses it both ways. For example, the Bible often refers to Jesus by name as “Jesus Christ,” just as we do in modern usage (see Matthew 1:1, 18; Mark 1:1; John 1:17; 17:3; Acts 3:6; Romans 3:24, etc.). But it also speaks of Jesus as “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed one,” the Messiah.

[2} “It is fitting” means that what God did through Jesus Christ was consistent with His character, and it was consistent with God’s wisdom. The cross was a masterpiece of wisdom. God solved the problem which no human or angelic mind could have solved. As a result, Jesus, in His humanity knows human life in all its joys and sorrows, all its temptations and sorrows.

[3} “For whom and through whom everything exists.” Paul wrote this in Colossians 1:16: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

[4} “In bringing many sons and daughters to glory” - In creation He made me, In salvation He bought me.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

[5} Propitiation: that by which God is rendered kindly disposed or gracious, i.e., by which it becomes consistent with his character and government to pardon and bless the sinner. The propitiation does not procure his love or make him loving; it only renders it consistent for him to exercise his love towards sinners. Easton's Bible Dictionary

[6} The sufferings of Christ were completely foreign to the Hebrews in connection with their hope of the Messiah’s coming. Such sufferings were extremely distasteful to them, humiliating to their pride. They were looking for a majestic ruler, not the humble lamb of God. Their prophet Isaiah pointed out the facts of Christ’s humility - that He would grow up as a tender plant out of the dry ground - but like many today, they did not receive the message.