Scripture:

'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, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters 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. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.' (Letter to the Hebrews 2:14-18)

Reflection

‘He’ is of course Jesus; born as a human baby, brought up in a human family. This week Christians celebrate Candlemas, also called The Presentation of Christ in the Temple. At six weeks of age Jesus’ parents took him to the Temple in Jerusalem to be blessed. Here he encountered two elderly members of his faith, Simeon and Anna, who both saw in him the long-awaited Saviour.

But how does he save? By freeing us from the fear of death, as he has conquered ‘the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil’. And also by coming alongside us when we are suffering; ‘Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.’ With Jesus by our side, we need not fear either death, evil or suffering. He has been there before us and we can turn to him with confidence.

Revd Ylva