HRC New Testament Reading Plan: daily NT reading devotional thoughts.
2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
Hebrews 2:1-4 NIV
Do you pay attention to what’s really important?
Hebrews 2 presents the first of five “exhortations” in the book of Hebrews. Exhortations are both encouragements and warnings. The author uses them to support his main themes on the superiority of Jesus and the need to persevere through persecution.
This first exhortation, to “pay the most careful attention” (v. 1), is an encouragement to focus on the message of salvation and a warning to not drift away. The Hebrew Christians were drifting from their faith, so the author reminds them that God himself testified to the message through “signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit” (v. 4). The message is really important: pay careful attention!
The author then discusses how Jesus was made fully human, to share in our humanity and to suffer for us. The Hebrew Christians were suffering persecution and were tempted to turn back, as we’ll see later in the book of Hebrews. The author wants them to know that Jesus suffered and sacrificed for them to bring them a superior message and salvation.
Questions:
- What are some reasons the author gives for us to “pay careful attention” to the message spoken by Jesus?
- Why was Jesus being fully human important to his message of salvation?
- What does this passage say were ways that Jesus was like us?
- How can you grow in your attention to the Scriptures? Review the plan you put together yesterday and share it with someone who can help you with staying on track.