Finding Your True North: Identity and Purpose in God's Family
- Thad DeBuhr
- Aug 2
- 9 min read
Hebrews 2:5-18
Stronger than sin, faithful to the end, conquering death and a brother to the broken.
Have you ever met someone who just knew who they were and what they were here to do? Think about a local volunteer who tirelessly serves the homeless, not for recognition, but because they believe every person deserves dignity. Or maybe a single parent working two jobs, yet still finding time to mentor young people because they remember what it was like to feel lost. These individuals, often without fanfare, seem to operate from a deep understanding of their place in the world.
Consider Joni Eareckson Tada. After a diving accident left her a quadriplegic as a teenager, her life was irrevocably altered. Yet, instead of succumbing to despair, Joni embraced her identity as a child of God, finding her purpose in advocating for the disabled and sharing the hope of Christ through her art and writing. Her circumstances were incredibly challenging, but her understanding of her identity in Christ and his family empowered her to have a profound kingdom impact. Or think of Corrie ten Boom, who, despite the horrors of the Holocaust, found her identity in God's love and forgiveness, spending her life after the war sharing her testimony and teaching others about reconciliation. Their stories highlight a powerful truth: knowing who you are in Christ and understanding your God-given purpose transcends circumstances and shortcomings.
This brings us to a powerful passage in the book of Hebrews, chapter 2, verses 5 through 18, which speaks directly to the modern Christian's sense of identity.
Before moving on, pause and read through Hebrews 2:4-18 in a couple of different translations. Choose two from this selection: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THIS SECTION OF HEBREWS
Setting the Scene: Hebrews 2:4-18
The book of Hebrews is a powerful sermon delivered to a group of Jewish Christians who were tired and worn out. Life was tough, they were facing persecution, and they were tempted to go back to the religious traditions they had grown up with—the old rules, the sacrifices, the whole setup that felt familiar and safe. The writer of Hebrews is making an argument so strong that he hopes they will never again consider leaving Jesus.
His core message is this: if you truly understand who Jesus is and what he did for you, you'd never go back to the old, incomplete ways. In this section, from Hebrews 2:5-9, the author first quotes Psalm 8 to establish that humanity was originally given authority over everything. Then, he shows how this plan went sideways with the fall. The person who finally accomplished this purpose was Jesus. He was, "for a little while, made lower than the angels" (Hebrews 2:9).
Took a Job Below His Pay Grade. This is an excellent way to describe Jesus's action. The Son of God, who held the universe together, willingly chose to take on a human body and live as a man. He didn't just visit; he fully entered into the human condition. His divine status was far beyond anything on earth, yet he took on the form of a servant and lived a life of humility, culminating in the ultimate act of servanthood on the cross. This temporary "demotion" was the necessary path to his ultimate "coronation" with glory and honor.
How This Passage Relates to Your Identity
This part of Hebrews isn't just ancient history; it’s a blueprint for who you are today. The author is making the case that Jesus is the true human, and because he shared in our humanity—our "flesh and blood"—he is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters.
Walked a Mile in Our Shoes as a Person. This is a critical point that the passage emphasizes. Hebrews 2:14 states, "Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity." Jesus didn't just observe humanity from a distance. He experienced it firsthand. He faced temptation, felt weakness, and endured suffering. Because of this shared experience, he is able to be a "merciful and faithful high priest" (Hebrews 2:17). He knows our struggles intimately, which makes him the perfect, compassionate advocate for us.
Conquered Death as the Ultimate High Priest. The passage makes it clear that Jesus's death was not a defeat, but a decisive victory. In Hebrews 2:14-15, the author explains that Jesus died "so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." The old high priests had to offer sacrifices for sin, but their work was never finished. Jesus, by offering himself as the perfect sacrifice, dealt with sin and death once and for all. His death was the ultimate and permanent high priestly act that conquered death itself, providing the final freedom that the old ways could never offer.
Calls Us Family. This may be the most emotionally powerful point in the entire passage. Hebrews 2:11 says that Jesus is "not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." He doesn't see us as distant projects or subordinates. He sees us as family. This completely changes our relationship with him. He is the "pioneer" or "captain" of our salvation, but he is leading us not as a general leads his soldiers, but as a big brother leads his siblings toward a shared inheritance. This intimate, familial connection is far superior to any relationship the old Law could ever provide.
Questions for you to chew on and discuss:
Why is it so important that Jesus was not just God, but a real, true human being just like us? How does that change the way you see yourself as a Christian?
Hebrews 2:18 says Jesus is able to help those who are tempted because he himself has suffered and been tempted. How can this truth provide comfort or strength for you in your own struggles with temptation?
The author of Hebrews is arguing that Jesus is superior to the old system. What "old systems" or familiar sources of security (traditions, rules, personal achievements) might you be tempted to fall back on instead of fully trusting in Jesus?
Journey Group Discussion Starter:
In your group, read Hebrews 2:5-18 aloud. Discuss a time when you felt like you were in a struggle alone, and then share how the reality of Jesus's shared humanity and his role as a compassionate high priest can change your outlook in similar situations in the future.
Applying the Principles TODAY
Practically, what does this passage mean for us today?
Embrace your identity: When you make a mistake at work or fall short in some other way, remember that your worth isn’t based on your performance. It's based on the fact that you belong to Jesus, who calls you family.
Trust his compassion: When life is heavy, and you’re struggling with temptation or just feeling the weight of the world, remember that Jesus gets it. He walked this earth and knows what it’s like. He is your high priest who sympathizes with your weaknesses, so you can go to him with anything, no matter how small or how messy.
Live with purpose: Jesus's victory over death means we are now on the winning team. We are called to live with hope, knowing that death is not the end and that we have a pioneer leading us. Our daily life—our jobs, our families, our hobbies—is a part of living out the dominion he has won.
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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE
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For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!
As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.
Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.
There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.
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Studying Hebrews is Messing me up in a Holy way !