Hebrews 2:11, New International Version

“Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family.”

In Hebrews 2:5–18, the writer shows us the depth of Christ’s humility and the greatness of His work on our behalf. He begins by reminding us that God did not subject the world to come to angels, but to humanity. Quoting from Psalm 8, he highlights that mankind was created to have dominion, yet because of sin we have fallen short of that calling. But then comes the hope-filled turn: “But we see Jesus” (v. 9). Where we failed, Christ succeeded. He became a man, entering into our weakness, so that through His suffering and death He might restore us to the glory God intended.

The beauty of this passage is the way it emphasizes both the suffering and the exaltation of Christ. Jesus was made “a little lower than the angels” for a time, so that He could taste death for everyone. His suffering was not meaningless—it was the very path by which He secured salvation for us. Verse 10 says it was fitting that God would make the author of salvation perfect through suffering. In other words, Jesus fully entered into our human experience, including pain and trial, so that He could be the perfect Savior we needed.

What’s even more astounding is the way the writer describes our relationship to Jesus. He calls us His brothers and sisters. He is not ashamed to identify with us (v. 11). The eternal Son of God, worthy of all glory, stooped so low that He shares in our humanity. He came not as a distant rescuer but as a faithful brother, walking beside us and calling us family. This truth should fill us with both awe and comfort—Christ knows us fully, and He claims us still.

Another key theme in this passage is victory over fear. Through His death, Jesus destroyed the one who holds the power of death—the devil—and freed those who were enslaved by the fear of death (v. 14–15). Death is humanity’s greatest enemy, the shadow that hangs over every life. But Jesus broke its hold. By rising again, He turned death into a defeated foe. Now, those who belong to Him can live in freedom, no longer bound by fear of the grave, but looking forward with hope to eternal life.

Finally, the chapter closes with a reminder that Jesus is our merciful and faithful High Priest. Because He Himself suffered when tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted (v. 18). This means that in our struggles and trials, we are never alone. Jesus understands our weakness, and He stands ready to give us grace and strength in our time of need. His role as our High Priest is not abstract theology—it is a living reality that brings daily help to His people.

Hebrews 2:5–18 gives us a rich picture of who Jesus is: our Brother, our Savior, our High Priest, and our Deliverer from fear. It reminds us that salvation is not distant or impersonal, but deeply relational. Christ came near, suffered, and conquered, so that we might share in His glory. This is the hope that sustains us in every season and the truth that calls us to live with faith and courage.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)