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.
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:14-16 ESV
Rev. Dwight Yoo
Jesus took on flesh to save
He came to save. Through death he came to deliver us from death and slavery to sin. Jesus saves us from the fear of death. Before the industrial revolution, death was immediate and direct. Now we can keep death at arm's length. We have modern medicine and vitamins. We have even outsourced to some extent with funeral homes and hospice care. Not only that, but we distract ourselves with entertainment. Inevitably, death awaits every one of us. The pursuit of legacy and achievements is trying to make our name outlast our lives. The vast majority of us will be forgotten in one or two generations. There is nothing that lasts without God. All our deeds will be forgotten. Death and sickness awaits us all.
But God sent his son. Man sinned and rejected God. Our punishment is deserved. But instead, Jesus came in the form of man to accept the punishment of men. But he was, in substance, God, so that he could take the full wreath of God and survive. So that we have grace for now and for the life to come. We can intellectually agree. But how about the here and now? Often we find life as a believer difficult and tough.
Jesus took on flesh to fully sympathize with us
Jesus knows us. He had walked in our shoes. The priests of old offered up animal sacrifice. But Jesus came and offered his very life. He knew sickness. He knew the burden of serving others. He knew of slander, shame, betrayal, pain, sickness... He knew of sorrow and to weep over the death of a loved one. He knew what it was to be forsaken. He knew temptation and the pull of revenge, sexual temptation, and immediate gratification. He was sinless, but he knew temptation better than any one of us. Whatever hardship, struggle, or temptation, Jesus fully sympathize with us.
Jesus strengthens us
Jesus comes in compassion and gentleness. We find sympathy in Him. But more than that, He saves and delivers. Jesus saves. He invites us to come to Him. We can find strength and salvation in Jesus.
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