Reigning with Christ
Text: Hebrews 2:5-14 (NIV)
It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified:
‘What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.’
In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says
‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.’
And again,
“Here am I, and the children God has given me.’
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It was always God’s intention that mankind would rule and reign on earth in partnership with Him. This was an incredible privilege that Adam and Eve forfeited in the Garden of Eden. Jesus, the second Adam and a representative of all humanity (Romans 5:15), restored mankind’s commission to rule and reign on earth. Through the anointing of the Holy Spirit, all who believe in Jesus have become prophets, priests, and kings in the advancing kingdom of heaven.
Jesus is the pattern and model for living in the fullness of a New Covenant kingdom lifestyle. He is the ultimate prophet, priest, and king but, as this passage from Hebrews reveals, He intends humanity to join Him in this glory. In His death and resurrection, He completely restored mankind’s broken relationship with the Father, re-opened our access to heaven, and filled us with His holiness.
In the beginning of this passage, the writer of Hebrews, quoting from Psalm 8, speaks of a “world that is to come.” The writer is speaking of the New Creation order, the “new heaven” and “new earth” that Isaiah, Peter and John prophesy about (Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1). Jesus revealed that the New Creation has actually begun with the introduction of a new humanity, of whom He is the first. The presence of God by the Holy Spirit is the key identifier of this new humanity.
This is the context for understanding this extraordinary passage from Hebrews. Mankind has been restored to our original position of ruling and reigning through the person and work of Jesus Christ, the “first of many brethren” (Romans 8:29). The writer comments that although “everything has been put under our feet,” we do not see this reality fully consummated. Instead, we see Jesus. We behold, in reverence, love, and awe, the pioneer of our salvation. This salvation includes not only a provision for holiness and freedom from sin, but also the restoration of humanity to kingship alongside Christ. The writer tells us that Jesus is “of the same family,” a clear reference to the new humanity, of which He is the beginning and cornerstone. This new humanity has the responsibility and privilege of advancing the kingdom of heaven with Him.
We spend a lot of time worshiping Jesus as King and Lord. He is these indeed things, but the Scriptures make clear that we are able to relate to Him in other ways. He is also our brother, co-laborer, and friend. Because of the Cross, we are able to approach His throne with boldness and confidence.
Jesus is proud to call us his brothers and sisters, members of God’s royal family who already rule and reign with Him from heavenly places, even as we wait for the end of the ages (Ephesians 2:6). In and through Jesus, we have been restored to our original place in God’s family. We are beloved children of God, and have access to every privilege that Adam forfeited. As we believe and trust, He will take us deeper into this revelation.
