Hebrews 2:17

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 2:17 (KJV)

Context

Hebrews is an epistle written to Jewish Christians, emphasizing the superiority of Jesus Christ over angels, Moses, and the Old Covenant priesthood. The author of Hebrews seeks to strengthen the faith of these believers and encourage them to persevere in their Christian journey.

Meaning

The phrase "Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren" highlights the necessity of the incarnation and the identification of Jesus Christ with humanity. Jesus, as the Son of God, willingly took on human flesh, experiencing the limitations, struggles, and temptations common to humanity. These "brethren" are the adopted sons of God, predestinated from eternity to the adoption of children in God's plan. Christ's incarnation occurred in time, taking on flesh to be made like unto them. By becoming like His brethren, He empathizes with us and understands our weaknesses and needs.

The purpose of this incarnation was "that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest." His identification with humanity allows Him to serve as a compassionate and reliable High Priest. In the Old Testament, the high priest acted as an intermediary between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sin and interceding on their behalf. Jesus, as the ultimate High Priest, offers mercy and faithfulness to those who come to Him. He understands our struggles and provides enduring help and forgiveness.

His work was specifically "in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." As the High Priest, the role of Jesus is to mediate between God and humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He made reconciliation possible for the sins of the people. His atoning work brings forgiveness and restoration between God and humanity, reconciling us to God and offering us salvation.

The Book of Hebrews repeatedly emphasizes the significance of Jesus' humanity in His redemptive work. By becoming like us, Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses and provide the help we need. This truth encourages believers to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He understands and cares for us. It portrays Jesus as the perfect High Priest who fulfills the Old Covenant priesthood. As the ultimate mediator, He is accessible to all who come to Him, providing forgiveness and interceding on our behalf. Ultimately, this underscores the central theme of reconciliation and salvation through Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death, Jesus accomplished the ultimate act of atonement, making it possible for people to be reconciled with God and receive forgiveness of sins, highlighting the immense love, grace, and mercy of God towards humanity.

Spiritual Insight

Christ's priestly work is not divided between his sacrifice and his ongoing ministry; the verse binds them together. He was made like his brethren so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest, and the specific priestly act named is making reconciliation for the people's sins. His incarnation was the necessary preparation for that atoning work, not a separate display of sympathy. Because he offered himself as the sacrifice, his mercy toward the tempted and his faithfulness before God rest on a completed act rather than on an ongoing plea for divine indulgence.

Application

• Appreciate Jesus' humanity by reflecting on the fact that He willingly became like us, experiencing the challenges and temptations of humanity. This truth can bring comfort and assurance, knowing that He understands our struggles and is always ready to extend His mercy and help to us.

• Seek Jesus as High Priest and approach Him with confidence, recognizing Him as faithful and merciful. Present your needs, weaknesses, and sins to Him, knowing that He intercedes on your behalf and offers forgiveness and restoration.

• Embrace reconciliation and salvation by remembering the significance of His sacrificial death. Embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ and respond in gratitude by living a life that honors Him, walking in obedience and seeking to love and serve others.

Reflection

We gain a deeper understanding of Jesus' role as our merciful and faithful High Priest through the significance of His incarnation, sacrificial death, and reconciliation. Acknowledging that He took on flesh to reconcile His brethren deepens our understanding of God's immense love and strengthens our endurance in the faith.