key verse: 11
JESUS WAS MADE OUR BROTHER
Here, the author speaks about Jesus' humanity which was necessary for the salvation of men. Jesus is not ashamed to call all men his brothers.
1. He is not ashamed to call them brothers (9-13)
God was made man in order to be among sinners (John 1:14). In becoming similar to sinful man, the Creator became a man in order to accompany him. Thus, as the psalmist sings, Jesus, Son of God and Creator, was made lower than the angels for a time. Yet, in God's time, he was lifted up to his original position (Phil. 2:9). His elevation was the consequence of his humiliation. For he had given himself over to death as a sacrifice of ransom for men who were slaves under sin, and this pleased God. Jesus, though he is God, is not ashamed to call all of us his brothers. Only he who was a holy sacrifice can make his people holy (Lev. 19:2). Coming from one origin, Jesus and sanctified men are brothers (11).
2. Jesus, victor over the devil (14-18)
The author talks again about the incarnation.This time, he explains that the purpose of this work was to destroy the work of the devil. The incarnation was the beginning of all actions that would lead to the ultimate goal: the crucifixion. The life of a sinner is more than miserable, for he fearfully lives under slavery. Logically, Jesus would have to be like man in order to rescue him and become a high priest. This merciful high priest can understand men facing temptation, since he himself was tempted.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for becoming my brother in order to save me from sin. Thank you for becoming my eternal high priest who rescues me now and forever.
Bottom line: Jesus, my brother and my high priest
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