Read Hebrews 2:17-18
Whenever a text starts off with words like “For this reason”, it means there is something very important that happens before it. In this case, it is the explanation of why Jesus had to be made human in order to be the perfect sacrifice for us.
Why did Christ come back as a human and not an angel or other being? The covenant God made was with man and not angels. God favored man over angels. Angels do not experience suffering or temptation in the same way as humans. So, they cannot serve as examples for us to follow (Hebrews 1:14). We can only follow another human who understands us, not angels who are ministering spirits sent to serve us.
Imagine, God chose us from the beginning, made in His image and He chose to remake Himself in that image too in order to save us and bridge a path for us to be with Him forever. Jesus is our perpetual High Priest, eliminating the barrier between God and man, and atoning for sin once and for all (Hebrews 10:11-14).
God saw from the beginning that we would be lost, so He made His son in our image in order to save us—”man of sorrows,” he was called, born out of the sorrow God felt for His lost treasured people. Hebrews 2:18 says that because Jesus suffered when He was tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted. He is just like us. His suffering was necessary and He chose to do it for our salvation.
This is how important we are to God. How does this make you feel about God? Does this give you a renewed set of confidence when you pray or when you think about the future and the plans God has for your life? When you look at a lost sinful humanity in need of salvation just like you, do you become a “man of sorrows”? How much would you suffer to help those in need of salvation? You are important to God, stay close to Him.
For Reflection:
- What changes will you make because of seeing God this way?
By Blaine Gibson
