Hebrews 2 tells us to listen to Jesus. Listen to Jesus because the penalties for ignoring Him are too severe. If we ignore Jesus, we will miss out on His salvation (2:1–4). Listen to Jesus because He has begun a new stage in God’s plan by tasting death for everyone, thus shattering the effects of death on those who listen to Him (2:5–9). Listen to Jesus because He is able to help us in temptation. His victorious experience in overcoming temptation allows us to receive help from Him as we face temptation (2:10–18).

The writer now paused in their explanation to address the readers with the first in a series of five urgent warnings. (The others are in chaps. 3–4; 5:11–6:20; 10:19–39; 12.) This one is the briefest and most restrained of all of them, but is nonetheless solemn. These admonitions become stronger as we progress through the book, from drifting from God’s Word to defying God’s Word (Heb. 12:14–29). Also, God does not sit idly by and permit His children to rebel against Him. He will continue to speak and, when necessary, He disciplines His own.