"For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human 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."

Hebrews 2:17-18

Since Jesus came to redeem his brothers and sisters rather than the angels, he didn’t become an angel: he became one of us (16). He did this so that he could become a ‘merciful and faithful high priest in service to God’ (v. 17). The writer draws two implications here about Jesus, the merciful and faithful High Priest. He was faithful to God in the past when he offered himself as a sacrifice of atonement to deal with our sins, and he is merciful to us now in his ongoing ministry before God. Since he was tempted as we are and suffered in that temptation, he can help us when we are tempted.

CLOSING PRAYER

Lord Jesus, thank you for your care for those who follow you. For those suffering for your sake, I ask for courage. Continue to remind them of your compassion and faithfulness.

(Edited from Encounter with God)