Significance of Jesus' Humanity (Heb. 2:9-18)

Hebrews 2:9-18 gives in a short amount of space several reasons the incarnation is significant:

• Jesus, fulfilling Psalm 8’s words about “man,” (cf. Heb. 2:5-8), “was made . . . lower than the angels . . . so that . . . He might taste death for everyone” (v. 9).
• “Through sufferings” Jesus, “the author of [our] salvation” was “perfect[ed]” (v. 10).
• “He . . . partook of [flesh and blood], that through death He might render [the devil] powerless” (v. 14).
• “He . . . partook of [flesh and blood], that through death He . . . might free [captives]” (vv. 14-15).
• “He [was] made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest” (v. 17).
• “Since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” (v. 18).

NASB

April 2013 Report

We appreciate your prayers for JM’s questioning and ordination service in February. We feel God’s kindness and the love of our sending church. We are thankful for each of the twelve churches and fifteen individuals who are currently partnering with us on a regular basis. Many, many others—including our parents and numerous teachers—have had an important part in our preparation for the gospel ministry and for work in Uruguay. We thank God for you and invite your continued prayers, counsel, and gracious accountability. You are part of God’s means for our growth into Christ’s image.

Please continue to pray that we will be able to leave for Uruguay on June 11. Our monthly support is now at 87% of the amount required by EMU before we can leave.

 

Please pray for wisdom and efficiency in making decisions and packing our belongings during the month of April and during the weeks following our return to SC toward the end of May.

 

We have meetings scheduled each weekend for the entirety of April and May, including about three weeks in MD, NY, and PA. We desire that each of these opportunities be used by God to equip His people for the work of service and to edify these churches. We always need His protection in travel.

 

We also request prayer for the salvation and growth of several people with whom we have had contact here in SC. In some cases these friendships are new; in others the relationships are many years old. We do not feel freedom to share the names publicly, but please do pray for the Lord clearly to work in the lives of this list of people who need to respond to the gospel.

 

Instituto Bíblico F.V. Dabold in Montevideo: Please pray for Matías Espinel, the other teachers, and the students. JM is preparing course material for the second semester, which will begin in July.

 

Facultad de Estudios Bíblicos del Uruguay (College of Biblical Studies of Uruguay): Plans continue for opening of classes in March 2014. Those involved would still ask for your prayers for efficiency, discernment, and unity.

 

The purpose for all of this is, of course, not the building and maintenance of institutions. Rather, we desire to see Uruguayan churches strengthened as their pastors and other members of these local bodies are trained in the Word and work of God. This is the work that you are doing where God has placed you: the making and maturing of disciples of Jesus. To our friends who do not follow Jesus, we urge you on His behalf to believe the gospel!