You probably know that Jesus is our Lord and Savior. But do you also know that he is our high priest? Did it occur to you that Jesus coming to earth in human form was almost like on-the-job training for how to really relate to humanity? And that his understanding of us and our suffering would give him a clear indication of how to make atonement for our sins? Well, it hadn’t fully occurred to me either until I read Hebrews 2, verses 17-18 which says:
"For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
The best way for Jesus to understand what it is like to be human was to actually become human himself. He understands our suffering and in that, he is now the perfect high priest for us. I’m convinced that God is God and didn’t really need to have Jesus experience humanity, but I think it was more for our benefit. When we’re able to look at the life of Jesus, understanding that he felt sorrow, joy, temptation and anger just like we do, it is easier for us to accept that he can identify with us. I’m so thankful that God chose this method in making Jesus our high priest, don’t you? Because he could’ve done it from the comforts of heaven if he wanted.
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Jesus is our high priest and because he became human, we are assured that he understands humanity. And in experiencing life first hand, the bible tells us that has become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus knows temptation even though he has never sinned. And in knowing temptation he is able to help those who are being tempted.