Hebrews 2:14-15 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.
Jesus became one with us as a human being, sharing in our flesh and blood. This can be difficult to imagine because we usually think of the exalted Lord Christ of our confession. The author’s strategy is to focus upon Jesus’ humanity to show that he became the perfect sacrifice for sin. He had to be both human and divine to be a mediator (1 Timothy 2:5) between God and humanity. By becoming human, dying on the cross, and rising from the dead, Jesus destroyed the power of the devil. The devil still fights against God’s people. If we do not take the forces of evil seriously, then we may be deceived by them and left unprotected spiritually. The devil uses things associated with death to deceive us and pull us from God. These things are related to our survival as persons and as a species: food, rest, sex, work, and other things God created us for. They are natural and part of God’s purpose and blessing for us as creatures. But the devil changes these and distorts them with false promises that feed human selfishness and pride. Jesus conquered death and the power of the devil. We can be restored and carry out God’s blessings even though our own death constantly knocks on our door. We are not bound by death but can begin to live out a new life in foretaste of God’s plans for us for eternity. Most people have some degree of fear of death. This fear can even enslave people. Jesus brings freedom from sin and death (Romans 8:1-2). The key point in these verses is that this happened because Jesus became one with us as fully human.
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