Why Was Jesus Made a Little Lower Than the Angels?
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Stop Doubting and Believe!
Was it important that Jesus—God’s Son—became human? Yes! But why was it important? People often say they would believe in God if only He appeared in person to them. If they could see Him, they’d believe.
Jesus did just that, but long before any of us reading this were alive.
Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, said he wouldn’t believe in the physical resurrection of Jesus unless he saw Him in person. “I refuse to believe this unless I see the nail marks in his hands, put my fingers into them, and put my hand into his side” (John 20:25 GW).
A week later, when Thomas was with them, Jesus came to the apostles again. When Jesus showed Himself to Thomas, He exhorted him, “Stop doubting, and believe” (John 20:27 GW).
A lot of people are like Thomas—unwilling to believe in Jesus unless they physically see Him. Yet, this is an important reason why Jesus—God’s Only Son—became human.
Jesus experienced life and death on earth for humanity’s benefit. This is what we’re reminded of in the text of Hebrews 2 below.
Scripture Text
He [God] didn’t put the world that will come (about which we are talking) under the angels’ control. Instead, someone has declared this somewhere in Scripture:
“What is a mortal that you should remember him, or the Son of Man that you take care of him? You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor. You put everything under his control.”
When God put everything under his Son’s control, nothing was left out. However, at the present time we still don’t see everything under his Son’s control. Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, but we see him crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death. Through God’s kindness he died on behalf of everyone.
God is the one for whom and through whom everything exists. Therefore, while God was bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was the right time to bring Jesus, the source of their salvation, to the end of his work through suffering. (Hebrews 2:5-10 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 2]
Key Phrase —
Jesus was made a little lower than the angels, but we see him crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What is said about angels and humans in this Scripture text?
What is said about their status with God and on earth?
Where does it speak about Jesus in these verses?
What is said about Him concerning angels and humanity?
Things to Consider—
When God created the first humans, He gave them dominion over the earth, including the animals (Gen 1:26). But this changed when they chose what God forbade them to do (Gen 3:8-11).
Their lack of trust in God, and their self-willed rebellion, turned things upside down until God could bring restoration.
This is the simple purpose of redemption—reconciliation and restoration. The Lord’s redemptive work on the cross provides the way for anyone to be reconciled to God.
Restoration—turning things right-side up, so to speak—was made possible when God changed places with us through His Son. It says He was, “for a short time... made lower than the angels.”
The only way God could set things back in their original order required Jesus to experience human life to its fullest, including death. This is what is meant by Jesus being made “perfect through suffering.”
Redemption, or salvation, is based on this great exchange initiated by God when He came and lived among those He created (John 1:1-3, 14).
The Lord’s resurrection from the dead proves Jesus is greater than the angels and all humans. He is our bridge of reconciliation with God the Father because He became human, suffered, died as a human, and rose from the dead.
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
Do you understand why Jesus' humanity is so important?
Why do you think it says Jesus wears a crown of glory and honor because He suffered and died? [see Hebrews 1:3]
How is Christ's humanity part of God's plan for salvation (redemption) for all people?
How does the truth that Jesus endured life and death on earth help you trust Him with everything in your life?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
