Hebrews 2:18

"Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people."

Key Reflection

In Hebrews 2:18, the author emphasizes that Jesus, as a human like his brothers, experienced life’s challenges and temptations in full, making him uniquely qualified to be both a merciful and faithful high priest. This means he could empathize with the weaknesses of humanity and offer genuine atonement for their sins, bridging the gap between God and people as one who truly understands what it is to walk in their shoes. The original audience would have recognized this as a powerful argument for Jesus' authority and effectiveness in interceding on behalf of believers, given his shared human experience.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 18. For in that he himself, etc. Because he has suffered, he is able to sympathize with sufferers. Being tempted. Or, being tried. The Greek word here used is more general in its meaning than the English word tempted. It means to put to the proof; to try the nature or character of; and this may be done either (1.) by subjecting a person to afflictions or sufferings, that his true character may be tried--that it may be seen whether he has sincere piety and love to God; or (2.) by allowing one to fall into temptation--properly so called--where some strong inducement to evil is presented to the mind, and where it becomes thus a trial of virtue.

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