Jesus, Pioneer of Salvation

KEY VERSE: “We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.” —Hebrews 2:9

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 2:5-11, 14-18

THE LOGOS—JESUS in his prehuman existence with God—was the first of all God’s Creative works. John explains, “In the beginning was the Logos, and the Logos was with [the] God, and the Logos was [a] God. This was in the beginning with [the] God.”—John 1:1,2, Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott

Further, Paul says that our Lord was “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him.”—Col. 1:15,16

Thus, for the Logos to leave his heavenly estate and become a man was a humbling experience, and, as the man, Jesus was willing to give that perfect earthly life as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind, which was a gift of tremendous proportions. The human family was not condemned to death individually, but as they were partakers in Adam’s transgressions. Jesus gave his life as a corresponding price for Adam, thereby purchasing the whole family. Adam was the father of the human race. When he disobeyed God’s commandments he brought his family into condemnation of death. Jesus was able to redeem mankind because he, too, was a perfect man like Adam, and Paul explains this: “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (I Cor. 15:22) As a reward for his faithfulness in carrying out the will of God, he was resurrected from the grave, and received glory and honor at the highest of all planes of life—the Divine nature, next to the Heavenly Father himself.

Jesus’ life and ministry opened up a “new and living way” for his footstep followers during this Gospel Age. (Heb. 10:20) God has been drawing his people to the captain, or head, of their salvation throughout the Gospel Age. Ultimately they shall all be brought together as the administrators of righteousness in Christ’s kingdom. Then, all the families of earth are promised life and blessings under the terms of a new and better covenant at that time.

The invitation to walk with our Lord has been a special blessing during the present age of sacrifice, “for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” (Heb. 2:11) These body members have been set apart from the world for a holy work of sacrifice. Therefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.—Heb. 2:17

The brotherhood suggested by Paul reveals the very special relationship each one enjoys as potential members in the body of Christ. We should be inspired to press on to the end by the special privilege accorded us from the Heavenly Father to be associated with his Son in the great work of salvation.

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