Hebrews 2:17-18
It is great when someone tells us I understand what you are
experiencing; I’ve also been through that same situation or experience. If they have not experienced it they
are just being nice, but you understand they have no real understanding of your
circumstance. That is what Hebrews
2:17 is saying Jesus understands, in that He was made like his brother’s in
every way; Jesus understands your situation. In no way does that imply that Jesus was sinful, in fact the
Holy Spirit addresses that point in Hebrews 4:15, “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.”
As a small child Jesus obeyed His parents, as a young man He
honored His mother and father, in His death He honored His mother by making
sure she was cared for. Folks, his
hormones were no different than yours and yet He refused to submit to
them. I have no doubt that He had
business dealings as a carpenter and was tempted by pride or greed. No one else in all creation has been
attacked in every way known to man by evil, as was Jesus, yet he did not
sin.
My greatest need at this stage of life is to understand that
Jesus called me friend, that He is
also my big brother. That He
understands so much more than my circumstance, He was my designer, and His love
for me does not hinge on my performance.
This is why Hebrews 2:17-18, should speak to our hearts: “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 temped, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
From the Back Porch,
Bob Rice
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