A Faithful and Merciful High Priest: Hebrews 2:16-18
“16) For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham. 17) Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18) For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.” Hebrews 2:16-18
These might be the three most important verses in the book of Hebrews in understanding the heart and mindset of Jesus for hurting and struggling people. He became a man for far greater reasons than going to the cross to atone for human sin. He became a man to understand sin and the ravages of living in a fallen world.
His work on the cross was but a moment in time, His position as an intercessor for humanity is ongoing. He is a faithful and merciful high priest on our behalf. Since He was tested and tempted as a man, He can come to the aid of those who are going through trials and temptations.
Yes, He is coming back as a Righteous Judge, but He will never set aside His heart as a merciful high priest.
These three verses bear a canning resemblance to Hebrews 4:14-16. He can sympathize with our weaknesses, because He has walked in our sandals. He is approachable. He is for us and not against us. He knows our every struggle and He loves us. This is what separates Jesus Christ from the pagan gods.
He is not cruel, rather He is full of compassion. He is not full of anger, rather He is full of agape love. He is not out of touch with human heart ache, rather He Himself walked in human shoe leather. He suffered in the flesh just like you and I suffer. He is eager to come to our aid of those under trials and who are being tempted.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global.
