We first had a series of Hymns and Readings.
Hymn # 191 – 1, 2 Ah, Holy Jesus
Reading #1 – Psalm 22
Hymn # 191 – 3, 4 For Me, Kind Jesus
Reading #2 – Isaiah 52:12-53:12
Hymn # 199 – 1, 2 Alas! And Did My Saviour Bleed
Reading #3 – Mark 14:32-42
Hymn # 193 – 1, 2, 3 Go to Dark Gethsemane
Reading: Mark 14:53-72
Hymn # 198 When I Survey
Reading #4 – Mark 15:1-39
Then we had our Scripture text and sermon following.
[14] 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. [16] For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. [17] 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. [18] For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
(Hebrews 2:14-18 ESV)
Deep in our centre we know it's a punishment.
Death then judgement. We all know this to be true.
Jesus took on flesh and blood. He became truly human. Not a super human. Just a regular human being. He was still God but he was just a regular human. If he were anything else his death would have been meaningless.
The only way he was different was that he never gave into temptation. He resisted all the way to the end. He never ever sinned.
Through death he destroyed the power of the devil.
So what does it mean that the devil has the power of death? Its the sting of death. The judgement and condemnation is the devils work. God controls the when. The devil does the bugging and condemnation. Be better, be holder, be.... never being okay.
Jesus had to be like in order to be our high priest, our mediator. Being like us means he is a merciful and faithful high priest. It means he knows us full well. It means he can turn aside the wrath of God.
When you fear death then you are in slavery and you can't live the way God wants you to. See the cross. Do not fear the judgement. Do not let yourself be enslaved to fear.
Jesus set us free.
He will help us when we are tempted.
If he can it right to the very end he will help us truly. He is our surety.
My thoughts
This is a powerful thought for me. Life giving and affirming.
Thinking to about how Jesus HAD to become like us. He was so like us. Being tempted. Wanting to do what he aught not do and yet resisting RIGHT TO THE VERY END. Really makes me think and that's a good thing.