Freedom from Fear and Death – Hebrews 2:14–18
Aug 23, 2025 8
Hebrews 2:14–18 (ESV)
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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
This is one of the richest passages in Hebrews, and it gives us three reasons to take our shame to Jesus.
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First, he destroys the devil’s power. Verse 14 says Jesus became human so that “through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” The cross looked like defeat, but in reality, it was victory. Satan’s grip is broken. Death does not have the last word.
Second, he delivers us from fear. Verse 15 says Jesus came to “deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” Fear of death is one of the deepest fears we carry. It fuels our shame, it drives our insecurities, it enslaves us. But in Christ, we are set free. Death has lost its sting.
Third, he stands as our merciful and faithful high priest. Verses 17–18 say he was made like us in every way so that he could represent us before God. At the cross, he made propitiation — he turned aside God’s wrath by taking it on himself. And because he suffered and was tempted, he knows what it is to be human. He sympathises with us in our weakness. He is able to help us when we are tempted.
Do you see how this answers our shame? The devil may accuse us, but Jesus has destroyed his power. Fear may enslave us, but Jesus has set us free. Guilt may weigh us down, but Jesus has turned aside God’s wrath. Temptation may feel overwhelming, but Jesus stands ready to help.
He is merciful. He is faithful. He is for you.
Reflection
The devil’s power is broken. The fear of death is gone. Jesus is your merciful and faithful high priest. Bring your shame to him — he has already carried it.
WATCH THIS WEEK’S VIDEO DEVOTION: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1V9oGXid0Ho
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