Crowned with Glory and Honor
Pentecost 20 – October 6, 2024
Genesis 2:18-24
Psalm 8
Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16
The writer of Hebrews knew his Old Testament well (of course in his day it was the whole Bible). He is writing to fellow Jews to show them that Jesus was the Messiah for whom they all were waiting. He does this by quoting from the Old Testament. His primary source for this is the Psalms as he does in our text today. While he prefaces the quote by telling us that someone, somewhere said it, he knows full-well where it came from since his quote is almost exactly as the Greek Old Testament had it in his day. If you were paying attention you will have noticed that it comes from Psalm eight – the one we read together this morning. Which brings us to a discussion about how scripture is interpreted.
In Hebrews chapter two, verse six, the Greek that is translated ‘mortal’ actually is ‘son of man.’ In Psalm eight, verse four, the word is also ‘son of man.’ While it is clear that the psalmist means human beings, people just like you and me, the translators chose to use the word ‘mortal’ to get around the masculine ‘son’. That is quite appropriate to do so that we all know the psalmist is talking about us. But, what did the writer of Hebrews mean when he quoted this psalm? In most of the Old Testament ‘son of man’ does mean ‘mortal.’ But for the prophets it starts to take on another meaning which Daniel fully embraces – ‘son of man’ talks about the one God will send to save God’s people. Jesus picks up this meaning and uses the title for himself. Which brings us back to question what the writer of Hebrews meant when he used this psalm.
Consulting the scholars on this issue does not help much because they are divided on this issue, each laying out the argument for their position and against the other side. My own personal thought is that the writer of Hebrews is referring to Jesus here and not to us. Although, since scholars cannot agree, you should take my opinion with a grain of salt. I do wonder if the uncertainty might be the point – Jesus was both mortal and the Son of God. It is not unusual to use paradoxes when talking about God since we are unable to fully comprehend God or even God’s gifts to us.
The writer of Hebrews may be, by using this paradox, reminding us of who Jesus is and what he did for us and at the same time, reminding us who we are and what we are called to do. Jesus through his life, death, and resurrection has given us new life as the children of God and called us to pick up our cross and follow him. We do not always do this. We are ever so mortal in our lives often forgetting the gifts that God has showered upon us. We confessed that this morning as we began our service. As I assured you then, those sins are forgiven and your life is a clean slate. What will you, sons and daughters of God, do now? Our gospel for today reminds you of your task. We are called to care for those who are vulnerable in the world and those ignored and sent away. Do not be like the disciples who thought they were doing right by sending the children away. Be like Jesus who took them up into his arms. It is not just the children that we are called to lift up. It is also the hungry, homeless, widow, and immigrant Jesus calls us to love and care for so that all people may thrive and live the life God calls them to.