In Hebrews 1 and 2, many glories of the Lord Jesus are brought before us. In chapter 1, we behold Him as the Son of God. In chapter 2, we behold Him as Son of Man. And why would the Son of God become Man? Numerous reasons are brought before us in chapter 2, but three times it is mentioned that it was in order that He might suffer. Amazing thought!

In verse 9, He who was infinitely higher than angels—as God, the Son and Creator and Sustainer and Heir of all things, etc.—was made a little lower than angels in becoming Man on account of the suffering of death. Here His atoning sufferings are clearly brought before us. By one man, Adam, sin entered into the world, and death by sin (Rom. 5:12). The first man introduced sin and death into this world. In God’s order, there would be a Man—who is yet God—who could effectively deal with both, to God’s glory. But none of Adam’s race could do so. They all had sinned and come short of the glory of God and had earned death as the wages of their sin (3:23; 6:23).

A sinless, holy man was required. And none could be found. And so, the blessed Son of God Himself became Man, the Second Man—for all others were only a repetition of the failed first man—and the Last Adam—for there will never need to be another. In Hebrews 2:5–8, we are told that as Man all things will be made subject to Him. He will reign in the world to come. But first it was necessary that He must endure the sufferings of death, and “taste death for every thing” (jnd). How wonderful to look back and see that the work is done, and now behold Him crowned with glory and honor!