1. Jesus sets us free from slavery to fear (14-15)

God did not send Jesus as an angel, but as a vulnerable man to share our humanity and to destroy the devil. The devil holds the power of death and he enslaves us by fear. Jesus crushed the head of the devil by his death and resurrection. He sets free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death (Lk 1:74,75).

2. A merciful high priest (16-18)

Jesus did not come as an angel to help angels; he came as a man to help Abraham's descendants. Abraham's true descendants are all those who have faith like his. Jesus shares our humanity in every way, so he suffered when he was tempted. He struggled to serve and obey God. He was obedient to death and so made atonement for our sins. He thus became our merciful and faithful high priest. He understands our weaknesses and he is able to help us when we are tempted.

Application: Lord, thank you for destroying the devil who has the power of death, and setting me free to serve you. Thank you for being my merciful high priest.
One Word: Jesus destroys the devil