The letter to the Hebrews was written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ. The author did not want them to return to the Law of Moses. Numerous names and designations are attributed by the author for Christ. All of these are used to demonstrate how superior and better Christ and His Covenant are.
“Jesus” is used in 2:9. This name means “Jehovah is Salvation.” Our salvation will only come through Him. He died for our salvation. He was given honor and glory from the Father for doing so.
“Captain” is used in 2:10. This word comes from a word which means “leader” or “prince.” He is the leader of our salvation. We should follow him on that path of salvation.
“Sanctifier” is implied in 2:11. Christians are sanctified. That means they are set apart for service to God. Christ is the One who sanctifies us. That makes Him the Sanctifier.
“Brother” is implied in 2:12. Christians are called His brethren. That makes Him our Brother. Saying He is our Brother suggests we are family. We are related. Family was extremely important to the Jews, and it should be important to us.
“Seed of Abraham” is used in 2:16. This was very important to Jews. They all took pride in stating that their lineage went back to Abraham. Christ became man. He was of the same lineage of Abraham, but His lineage was not simply physical. His lineage was also through faith – faith in God and demonstrated by obedience.
“Reconciler” is implied in 2:17. We are told He made reconciliation for our sins. This means He is the Reconciler. It means He made atonement for us. He performed what was necessary for the Father to forgive sins.
I am so glad Christ is our Captain of salvation. I am glad He came to Earth and lived as a man so that He is our Brother. I am so glad He obeyed the Father and is of the seed of Abraham. I am so glad He is the Reconciler. Study your Bible. Learn all you can about Him. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.
Mark McWhorter has written daily devotionals for youth for decades. He lives in Pell City, Alabama, USA.
