Room to spare — through Christ as one of us
John Povey
December 31, 2025
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Hebrews 2: 10-18 (NIVUK)
10 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. 11 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. 12 He says,
‘I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters;
in the assembly I will sing your praises.’13 And again,
‘I will put my trust in him.’
And again he says,
‘Here am I, and the children God has given me.’
14 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – 15 and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 16 For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. 17 For this reason he had to be made like them fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
A little girl suffering from leukaemia desperately needed a blood transfusion. She had a rare blood type, but her brother was a match. The little boy was asked, “Would you be willing to donate a pint of your blood to your sister?” He decided he was willing, and they carried out the transfusion. Lying there afterwards, he looked up and said, “Doctor, how long is it before I die?” He had misunderstood. They were not asking him to give his life, he was only giving some blood. But with deep affection for his sister he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. The true heart of a brother.
Jesus calls us his brothers and sisters, and he gave us his life, his everything.
Many of the most profound Christian thinkers have dwelt long and hard on the reality of human suffering. And they have concluded that the Christian message has a unique word for our anguished world. We worship the God with scars on his hands.
Because Jesus suffered, he understands. He does not simply fix it. He knows what it is like and is able to bring us through the greatest grief, the sorest trial, and the darkest night. Why? Because he suffered and died and rose again to save us.
This Hogmanay we revel in the cosmic revelation of Christ that changes history, for his sacrifice is given in abundance, with room for all.
We are not alone, for we know that God hears us in ways that are deep, meaningful, and powerful. The incarnation gives us the confidence to say He knows how we feel and He can help us.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for becoming like us in every way, experiencing the depths of human struggle. Help me not to fear my own trials, but to trust in Your victory over death and Your strength to help me endure. Walk with me. Love me. Teach me. Show me Your way, for You are my Saviour, Friend, King and Brother. Amen.
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