The Treasures of HebrewsNäide

“Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17 ESV)

His life and suffering had no consequence for the angels. But they do matter to people, who become His brothers by faith. He will make people His children. He will go before them to heavenly glory and bring them there. They will be saved. He eliminates death and demonic powers. Because of Jesus, we need not fear death. Jesus came to save people, so he became like them in every way. He made reconciliation possible between God and man. That was His function as high priest.

In this chapter, the writer uses Psalm 8 to support his argument. Why did Jesus become lesser than the angels? Surely he was above them in the divine order? The writer seeks the answer in the meaning we should ascribe to Jesus's work. It is by means of His birth by Mary, His life on earth in the land of Israel, and His suffering on the cross at Calvary that His true identity is revealed. By becoming human, He became the guide who goes before His followers.

Jesus comes to the aid of those who fall into temptation. Having suffered himself, He can have compassion for us. Do you find the knowledge of Jesus' compassion comforting?