Exaltation through Abasement

(Cp Ps 8:1–9)

5 Now Goda did not subject the coming world, about which we are speaking, to angels. 6 But someone has testified somewhere,

“What are human beings that you are mindful of them,b

or mortals, that you care for them?c

7 You have made them for a little while lowerd than the angels;

you have crowned them with glory and honor,e

8 subjecting all things under their feet.”

Now in subjecting all things to them, Godf left nothing outside their control. As it is, we do not yet see everything in subjection to them, 9 but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lowerg than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of Godh he might taste death for everyone.

10 It was fitting that God,i for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father.j For this reason Jesusk is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,l 12 saying,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,m

in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

14 Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. 16 For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sistersn in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.