Good Friday 2026 - Hebrews 2:9-16
We need to live in the light of the cross. Come under the power of the cross. Follow the cross! We follow the crucified, risen Lord.
Hebrews 2:9-16
God's judgment is a fearful thing. We don't want him to judge us... But he is just, and his judgment is perfect. We deserve to die, but he sent his son to die instead, so we don't have to!
Jesus is the only person ever fully human and fully God. He loved and followed the Father perfectly for every second of his life! He was the best of humanity, yet he went willingly.
Do we want to represent ourselves on judgement day? Or do we take the perfect substitute in our place?
In the cross of Christ is the power of salvation.
Verse 9...
The cross of Christ was a grace to humanity. An unmerited gift! It's so easy to be saved... Just look at the Lord Jesus as your antidote to sin, and you are healed! So he deserves all glory and honor forever. We worship him forever, now and in eternity! We won't deserve to be there; it's all his grace.
V10...
Jesus is the founder of our faith; it's only through him that we're allowed into heaven! He so loved us that he snatched us out of the fire. In heaven it'll be hard to see he chose us!
V11-12... From Psalm 22:22... Those who are persecuted are being more deeply connected to Jesus, getting a small taste of what he endured. You're identifying with his suffering, and are blessed for choosing to follow in his path. He calls us brothers! He sings our praise in heaven!
Luke 15:10, Jesus describes heaven... There's joy in heaven when someone joins the family of God! And God himself leads the worship! Not only is he not ashamed of you, he sings about you, identifies you as his family!
If you believe in Jesus Christ: it is finished! His mercies are new every day. As you walk with him and fail miserably, his mercy is fixed upon you. His cross is mightier than any sin! Abide in him.
V13-16...
When Jesus died on the cross, he destroyed the one who had power over death, the devil! When we die, the devil will bring up every evil deed, and he's right. But he no longer has any power over you; Christ has saved us, redeemed us, and Satan has no authority over your life! The spirit of God lives in you, and Satan can't touch you unless God allows it! Jesus has destroyed the power the devil had over you!
1 Corinthians 54... O death, where is your victory, where is your sting?
Christ has won a great victory! We celebrate our king-- he is our only hope!
Remember: God sings about us, and we sing to him for all eternity!