My Podcasts – Click Here.

Perfect Through Suffering

Hebrews 2:10-18

“For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying, ‘I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.’ And again, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ And again, ‘Behold, I and the children God has given me.’ Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

This passage helps answer a question: Why did Jesus Christ come to earth and live as a real human being? The term “incarnation” is often used, referring to Jesus existence here on earth. As John said, Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us,” (Jno. 1:14). Why?

This passage is a good response. This says, “it was fitting” for Jesus to be made a little lower than angels, for Him to become “the founder of” our salvation, made “perfect through suffering.” It was fitting for Him to “share in flesh and blood,” because in our flesh and blood existence, we experience death. The devil uses that fear against us. Jesus conquered death. Also, He became “a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God,” not only to make propitiation for sins, but to become our sympathetic helper. It was fitting for Him to go through this, for us. It is certainly fitting for us to respond obediently to Him.