Hebrews 2 : Easy-to-Read Version
Our Salvation Is Greater than the Law
2 1So we must be more careful to follow the things that we were taught. We must be careful so that we will not be pulled away [from the true way]. 2The teaching (the law) that God spoke through angels was shown to be true. And every time the [Jewish] people did something against that teaching they were punished for what they did. They were punished when they did not obey that teaching. 3The salvation [that was given to us] is very great. So surely we also will be punished if we live like this salvation is not important. It was the Lord (Jesus) who first told people about this salvation. And the people who heard him proved to us that this salvation is true. 4God also proved it by using wonders, great signs, and many kinds of miracles.* And he proved it by giving people gifts through the Holy Spirit.* He gave those gifts the way he wanted.
Christ Became Like Men to Save Them
5God did not choose angels to be the rulers over the new world that was coming. That future world is the world we have been talking about. 6It is written some place [in the Scriptures*], "[God], why do you care about man (people)? Why do you care about the son of man*? Is he so important? 7For a short time you made him lower than the angels. You gave him glory and honor to be his crown. 8You put everything under his control.*" Psalm 8:4-6
If God put everything under his control, then there was nothing left that he did not rule. But we don't yet see him ruling over everything. 9For a short time Jesus was made lower than the angels, but now we see him wearing a crown of glory and honor because he suffered and died. Because of God's grace (kindness) Jesus died for every person. 10God is the One who made all things. And all things are for his glory. God wanted to have many sons (people) to share his glory. So God did what he needed to do. He made perfect the One (Jesus) who leads those people to salvation. God made Jesus [a] perfect [Savior] through Jesus' suffering. 11The One (Jesus) who makes people holy* and those people who are made holy are from the same family. So he (Jesus) is not ashamed to call those people his brothers [and sisters]. 12Jesus says, "God, I will tell my brothers [and sisters] about you. Before all your people I will sing your praises." Psalm 22:22
13He also says, "I will trust in God." Isaiah 8:17
And he says, "I am here. And with me are the children that God has given me." Isaiah 8:18
14Those children are people with physical bodies. So Jesus himself became like those people and had the same experiences people have. Jesus did this so that, by dying, he could destroy the one who has the power of death. That one is the devil. 15Jesus became like those people and died so that he could free them. They were like slaves all their lives because of their fear of death. 16Clearly, it is not angels that Jesus helps. Jesus helps the people who are from Abraham.* 17For this reason Jesus had to be made like his brothers [and sisters] in every way. Jesus became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest* in service to God. Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for the people's sins. 18And now Jesus can help those people who are tempted. Jesus is able to help because he himself suffered and was tempted.
miracle(s) Amazing works done by God's power. Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. Scriptures Holy Writings--the Old Testament. son of man This can mean any man (person), but the name "Son of Man" is often used to mean Jesus. Jesus showed what God planned for all men (people) to be. control Literally, "feet." holy God's people are holy because they are made pure through Christ and belong only to God. Abraham Most respected ancestor of the Jews. high priest Most important priest for God's people.