Jesus' Suffered and Died as Intended

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It was right that Jesus suffered and died, it brought about the salvation of his brethren, breaking Satan's grip and providing support in temptation

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Saving His Own

Hebrews 2:10–13 NKJV
For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

According to Plan

The subject in verse 10 is God, for whom and through whom everything exists. The wording obviously echoes , where Paul in a doxology writes, “For from him and through him and to him are all things.” The honour, however, is shared with Jesus, as is evident from : “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” (See also .)
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, p. 70). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION

HEBREWS 2:10–11 (R.V.)

1. The Purpose of God. “To bring many into glory.”

2. The Character of those He brings. “Sons.”

3. The Method. “Through One made perfect as a Saviour.”

4. How Christ was Perfected as a Saviour. “Through suffering.”

5. The God-becoming Act. “It became HIM.” It was just like Him.

6. The Blessed Result. “He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified all of ONE.” Oneness in nature and purpose.

in bringing many sons to glory” The family aspect of the new covenant is fully revealed in the remaining verses of chapter 2. Notice the number of family terms mentioned. The goal of the new covenant is the restoration of the image of God in fallen mankind.
God is at work in Christ to restore humans to the “glory” he intended for them at creation (). The image of “bringing” or leading his people to glory hints at an exodus motif that is important in ch. 3 (see 6:20). Jesus as our “forerunner” (6:20) precedes us to heavenly glory.
Moo, D. J. (2015). The Letters and Revelation. In D. A. Carson (Ed.), NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (p. 2497). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Hebrews 6:19–20 NKJV
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Romans 8:30 NKJV
Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
1 Peter 5:1 NKJV
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed:
John 17:24 NKJV
“Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.
John 1:14 NKJV
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:18 NKJV
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.

As Our Captain

Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

The term in Greek sources has various senses, referring to such things as the “founder” of a city, family, school, colony, or nation; the “leader” or “scout” of an army;96 an “instigator” of trouble; the source or “author” of good things.98 It is used in the LXX with a similarly wide semantic range.99 In the New Testament it appears only in Hebrews and Acts.

Jesus Christ is called the archēgós of life (Acts 3:15) because He is hē archḗ, the beginning or the originator of God’s creation (Rev. 3:14). This excludes Him from Himself being a product of that beginning. Jesus Christ is called archēgós, the originator of faith in Heb. 12:2. This may mean that Jesus is the one who initiates (and completes) faith in the souls of men.

The Greek word is used four times in the NT, always of Christ in his role as Saviour (here; 12:2; [“author”]; 5:31 [“Prince”]).
Moo, D. J. (2015). The Letters and Revelation. In D. A. Carson (Ed.), NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (p. 2497). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Acts 3:15 NKJV
and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
Revelation 3:14 NKJV
“And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
Acts 5:31 NKJV
Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
Hebrews 12:2 NKJV
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
God made him pass through gruesome suffering to bring about perfection. It was God’s will that his Son had to suffer in order to effect the salvation of many sons. And when the Son completed his suffering, he became the founder of their salvation. He received the appointment to lead the elect out of a life of slavery in sin to a life of eternal happiness in which they are considered sons and heirs with Christ.
are considered sons and heirs with Christ.
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, pp. 70–71). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, pp. 70–71). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House
Jesus was made “perfect” by the pathway of weakness, suffering, and death that God called him to follow in accomplishing our salvation (5:8–9; 7:28; 10:14). This does not mean that he changed from sinful to sinless (4:15; 7:26–28; 9:14); rather, it denotes his becoming fully qualified to act as our high priest, in the sense that he demonstrated his full obedience to God despite temptation and that he identified with humans fully in their weakness to sympathize with them in high priestly intercession (vv. 17–18; 4:15–16; 5:7–10; 7:25–26).
Moo, D. J. (2015). The Letters and Revelation. In D. A. Carson (Ed.), NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (p. 2497). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

JESUS’ SUFFERING WAS GOD ENGAGING SIN’S CURSE

Gruesome, Ugly And Real, It Was God’s Plan To Bring Many Sons to Glory
Let Every Believer Stop In Praise And Wonder - Such Love!
Unbelievers Must Take Stock, Sin is Serious, Too Much for You To Overcome.
Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2759 Legend of Origin of Christ Cross

There is an ancient legend that the cross on which Christ was crucified came from the fatal tree whose fruit was forbidden to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. After Adam’s death, Seth asked and obtained from the guardian angels of paradise a branch of the tree whose forbidden fruit Eve and Adam had eaten. Seth planted this branch on Golgotha, called the place of skull, because Adam was buried there. From this tree, at various times through the ages, were made the Ark of the Covenant and the pole that held up the brazen serpent. And finally, when it was gnarled and old and hard, this tree supplied the wood for the cross of Christ.

—Tonne

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2759 Legend of Origin of Christ Cross

There is an ancient legend that the cross on which Christ was crucified came from the fatal tree whose fruit was forbidden to our first parents in the Garden of Eden. After Adam’s death, Seth asked and obtained from the guardian angels of paradise a branch of the tree whose forbidden fruit Eve and Adam had eaten. Seth planted this branch on Golgotha, called the place of skull, because Adam was buried there. From this tree, at various times through the ages, were made the Ark of the Covenant and the pole that held up the brazen serpent. And finally, when it was gnarled and old and hard, this tree supplied the wood for the cross of Christ.

—Tonne

• Only one act of pure love, unsullied by any taint of ulterior motive, has ever been performed in the history of the world, namely the self-giving of God in Christ on the cross for undeserving sinners.—John Stott

• Christianity is a cross, and a cross is “I” crossed out.—John Bisagno

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2011 Napoleon: “Thank You, Captain”

When Napoleon’s horse ran away and a lowly soldier caught him, Napoleon said, “Thank you, Captain.” The man at once packed his belongings, moved to the officers’ quarters, and went to mess with them. The emperor had called him captain, and he was therefore an officer.

We are all miserable sinners, but when we receive Jesus Christ, He calls us sons of God (John 1:12). Let us then promptly pack our belongings and move into the higher life to which He has appointed us!

—Gospel Herald

Encyclopedia of 7700 Illustrations 2011 Napoleon: “Thank You, Captain”

When Napoleon’s horse ran away and a lowly soldier caught him, Napoleon said, “Thank you, Captain.” The man at once packed his belongings, moved to the officers’ quarters, and went to mess with them. The emperor had called him captain, and he was therefore an officer.

We are all miserable sinners, but when we receive Jesus Christ, He calls us sons of God (John 1:12). Let us then promptly pack our belongings and move into the higher life to which He has appointed us!

—Gospel Herald

Breaking Death’s Grip

Hebrews 2:14–16 NKJV
Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham.

As A Real Man

Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, pp. 70–71). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, pp. 70–71). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House

As A Real Man

A human Saviour was necessary, because human beings (children) are in need of a propitiatory sacrifice (see note on v. 17) and a sympathetic high priest (vv. 17–18).
Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (p. 2364). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
One of the most explicit theological reflections in the NT on Jesus’ incarnation and its necessity (v. 17a). In fulfilling the God-given destiny of humans (), Jesus entered into our physical, earthly existence (“flesh and blood”) to provide deliverance for us “by his death” (see v. 9).
Moo, D. J. (2015). The Letters and Revelation. In D. A. Carson (Ed.), NIV Zondervan Study Bible: Built on the Truth of Scripture and Centered on the Gospel Message (p. 2497). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
Genesis 3:15 NKJV
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel.”
Isaiah 7:14 NKJV
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Romans 8:3 NKJV
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
Jesus became fully human in such a manner that he is related to us. He is our blood relative. In the original Greek the word order is reversed (“blood and flesh,” rather than “flesh and blood”); possibly this is an idiom. But the prominence of the word blood indicates that the ties that bind us are blood ties. We can say of Jesus that he is one of us. He is our brother.
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, p. 75). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

He Broke Death’s Grip

God the Father desired that Jesus be born of the Virgin Mary, ordained that he should suffer and die, and set him free from the bondage of death by raising him from the dead ().
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, p. 75). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
Acts 2:23–24 NKJV
Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
Acts
Jesus’ death, by cleansing his followers of sin, destroys the death grip of the devil (cf. ) and gives hope and deliverance to those who were in slavery to the fear of death.
Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible
1 John 3:8 NKJV
He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Satan’s power is not absolute, but is under the control of God, who ultimately rules over life and death (; ; ; ; ). Nevertheless, Satan “was a murderer from the beginning” (), and he does have power to harm people to some extent (cf. ; ).
John 8:44 NKJV
You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Gen 2:
Genesis 2:17 NKJV
but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Genesis 3:4 NKJV
Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die.
Romans 6:23 NKJV
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Rom
The devil gained a limited power over mankind through his ability to incite sin that leads to death (; ; ; ; ). Jesus’ death and resurrection provides complete victory over death and the devil (see , , especially , where is quoted).
1 Corinthians 15:54–55 NKJV
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?”
Satan desired the destruction of God’s creation in general and man in particular. After the fall Satan had the power of death over Adam and his descendants and used death as a weapon against us. He had the privilege of coming before God in heaven to accuse the believers (see ), and stood ready to execute the verdict pronounced upon the guilty and to destroy man, who was condemned to death. He, the murderer from the beginning (), desired man’s death in the fullest sense of the word: physical death and spiritual death (separation from God). He wanted to serve as the angel of death by wielding the power of death.
destroy man, who was condemned to death. He, the murderer from the beginning (), desired man’s death in the fullest sense of the word: physical death and spiritual death (separation from God). He wanted to serve as the angel of death by wielding the power of death.
Thus God expressed his love toward his people by delivering his own Son to die a shameful death. And the Son willingly suffered and died in humiliation on behalf of his brothers and sisters, the members of the household of God.
Zechariah 3:1–2 NKJV
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?”
Thus God expressed his love toward his people by delivering his own Son to die a shameful death. And the Son willingly suffered and died in humiliation on behalf of his brothers and sisters, the members of the household of God.
Thus God expressed his love toward his people by delivering his own Son to die a shameful death. And the Son willingly suffered and died in humiliation on behalf of his brothers and sisters, the members of the household of God.
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, p. 75). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.
Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953–2001). Exposition of Hebrews (Vol. 15, p. 75). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

For Men, not Angels

The translations of this verse vary because of the main verb in the sentence. For example, the King James Version reads, “For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.” And the Revised Standard Version says, “For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham.” The New International Version, on the other hand, translates, “For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants.”
Contemplate, my soul, the peculiar sweetness of that grace which was in Jesus, when, for the accomplishment of your salvation He passed by the nature of angels to take upon him your nature.
There were but two sorts of transgressors in the creation of God—angels and men. But angels are left in everlasting chains, under darkness, to the judgement of the great day. And fallen, sinful, rebellious man finds the grace of redemption. Had Jesus taken their nature, would not this have been nearer to his own? Would not their services have been vastly superior to ours? Would not the redemption of beings so much higher in rank and intellect, have opened a far larger revenue of praise to our adorable Redeemer?
Pause over these thoughts, my soul, and then consider how our Jesus, in his unequalled condescension, has thereby the more endeared himself to your love. And learn also that if Jesus needs not the service of angels, how is it possible that man can be profitable to God! The simple act of faith in a poor fellow sinner, in believing the record that God hath given of his dear Son, gives more honour to God than all the services of men or angels for ever. Mark this down as a blessed truth; Jehovah is more glorified by your faith and trust in him than by all your works.
Lord, give me this faith, that I may cleave to you, hang upon you, follow you, and never give up looking unto you, until my heart-strings fail, and then as now, be “the strength of mine heart, and my portion forever!”
“The only thing of our very own which we contribute to our salvation is the sin which makes it necessary.”—William Temple 
If Jesus had been an angel, he would be expected to come to the aid of fellow angels. But he helps men instead, thereby giving ample proof of his identity. As the God-man he has come to help Abraham’s spiritual children because he has identified himself with them. Jesus is the author not of the salvation of angels, but of the salvation of Abraham’s descendants. And they receive his help.
Offspring of Abraham connects to the OT story, referring not merely to Jewish Israel but also to the more expansive promises to Abraham (; ; see ; ).
Hebrews 6:13–15 NKJV
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.

JESUS SUFFERED AND DIED TO FREE YOU.

JESUS SUFFERED AND DIED TO FREE YOU.

Are You Free?
How Does This Freedom Show Itself in Life?
Not Free! And No Alarm Bells Ringing! You Are A Slave!!!
Life is like reading a murder mystery. All through their journey of life, people know they’re going to get murdered—maybe not in the physical sense, but they know the relationship is going to die, that they’ll be fired, or that the cancer will return. Thus, there is an understandable fear that haunts everyone.
Jesus came to set us free from the fear of death. “Let Me put you out of your misery,” He says. “Die.”
“What?”
“Die. If any man come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, for this is the way to be free” (see , ).
And, as always, He’s right. If you don’t believe me, go to a funeral home, and sneak around the viewing rooms. Whisper into the ears of the corpses, “You’re going to get killed. The relationship isn’t going to work out. The finances aren’t going to come through. You’re not going to get the promotion”—and you’ll find it won’t bother them a bit because they’re already dead.

Overcoming Temptation

Hebrews 2:17–18 NKJV
Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Hebrews 2:17 Christ the High Priest Who Deals with His People’s Sins

This verse is a nerve centre of the epistle, summing up in its first clause (v. 17a, to ὁμοιωθῆναι) the discussion since v. 10, and announcing in the following subordinate clauses (ἵνα …, 17b, and εἰς τό …, 17c) the author’s two major doctrinal concerns, namely the high-priestly status of Christ and his work in dealing with sins.

He’s Merciful and Faithful

The adjective merciful occurs only twice in the New Testament: once in the Beatitudes (“Blessed are the merciful,” ) and once in . In Matthew we read that mercy is to be expressed from man to man; those who practice mercy are promised the mercy of God. In , Jesus is depicted as the high priest who represents man before God, averts God’s wrath, heals the brokenhearted, lifts up the fallen, and ministers to the needs of his people.
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Hebrews 2:17 Christ the High Priest Who Deals with His People’s Sins

priests and high priests are not elsewhere in the Greek Bible described as merciful, and Philo (Spec. Leg. 1.115f.) emphasizes the need for them to separate themselves from natural human affections.

Hebrews 4:15–16 NKJV
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5-16
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Whereas mercy is directed to man, faithfulness is directed to God. Jesus is a faithful high priest in service to God. Westcott aptly remarks that the word faithful actually has two meanings: a person is faithful in performing his duties and is trustworthy toward persons who rely on him. Usually the two meanings merge.
The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Epistle to the Hebrews 2:17 Christ the High Priest Who Deals with His People’s Sins

in the light of v. 18 (cf. 4:14f.), of Jesus remaining faithful to God despite temptation or testing. In 3:2, 5, however, the word clearly implies “faithful in discharging an office entrusted to one by God” (so Vanhoye 1967; cf. Ne. 9:8; 13:13; Nu. 12:7), and this suggests in the present verse the meaning “faithful to God in the office of high priest.”

Numbers 12:7 NKJV
Not so with My servant Moses; He is faithful in all My house.
Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

The description of Christ as “faithful” (πιστός) like the priests of old is more complex, mirroring the intricacy of the term “fidelity.” As the heavenly intercessor, Christ is reliable and to be trusted.189 Equally important is the notion that Christ in his life and death was faithful to God. He therefore will serve as the ultimate example of that fidelity to which all his followers are called.

Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

Hebrews does not at this point indicate how this expiation takes place. The central expository chapters will indicate that it is not through Christ’s continual intercession for his followers, but through his singular sacrificial death.

Romans 5:10 NKJV
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
Sacrifice required to satisfy God’s anger against sin (vv. 9, 14–15; 10:30–31; 12:29). Jesus’ high priestly ministry is the major theme of the central section of Hebrews; the first exposition (1:5–2:18) gives a foundation for this theme, which vv. 17–18 explicitly introduce.
The Epistle to the Hebrews E. The Son of Man the Savior and High Priest of His People

His high priesthood is exercised “in matters for which they are responsible to God.” And most crucial among these matters is the matter of sin. How can sinners approach the holiness of God, either personally or through a representative? They can come to him with confidence only if their sin has been removed. And this above all else makes Jesus so incomparable a high priest and representative of his people; not only is he sinless himself, and therefore entitled to enter the presence of God on his own account, but he has dealt effectively with his people’s sins, and can therefore enter the presence of God on their account too.

The term atonement is a theological one with profound meaning; it is often explained by other, even more difficult, terms such as “propitiation” and “expiation.”
In the context of Hebrews the word atonement means that Jesus as high priest brought peace between God and man. God’s wrath was directed toward man because of his sin, and man because of sin was alienated from God. Jesus became high priest. And as the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies, he sprinkled blood—first for himself and then for the people—to remove (literally, to cover) sin. In the same way, Jesus offered himself so that the shedding of his blood covered our sins. Thus we might be acquitted, forgiven, and restored. Jesus brought God and man together in inexpressible harmony. In the words of Paul, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” ().
In the context of Hebrews the word atonement means that Jesus as high priest brought peace between God and man. God’s wrath was directed toward man because of his sin, and man because of sin was alienated from God. Jesus became high priest. And as the high priest once a year on the Day of Atonement entered the Holy of Holies, he sprinkled blood—first for himself and then for the people—to remove (literally, to cover) sin. In the same way, Jesus offered himself so that the shedding of his blood covered our sins. Thus we might be acquitted, forgiven, and restored. Jesus brought God and man together in inexpressible harmony. In the words of Paul, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” ().
The marvel of it all is that in the act of reconciliation God himself took the initiative.

Our High Priest

In this verse the term high priest occurs for the first time in Hebrews. In no other book of the New Testament is Jesus described as high priest. Only in Hebrews is the doctrine of Jesus’ high priesthood fully developed (2:17–18; 3:1; 4:14–16; 5:1–10; 6:20; 7:14–19, 26–28; 8:1–6; 9:11–28; 10).
Jesus must be human in order to serve as high priest on behalf of humanity.

Christ is called a “high priest,” and not merely a “priest” (as in Ps. 110:4), because our author views his redemptive work as the antitypical fulfilment of the sacrificial ritual of the Day of Atonement, where the high priest in person was required to officiate (Heb. 9:7, 11f.).

Psalm 110:4 NKJV
The Lord has sworn And will not relent, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 5:1 NKJV
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
Hebrews 5:10 NKJV
called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
The Lexham Bible Dictionary High Priests in the Old Testament

The high priest served several purposes that were crucial to Israelite worship. It was the high priest’s responsibility to see that the covenant was enforced, and to direct people to complete the duties of the temple and the law of Moses. As the representative for the nation of Israel, the high priest had a tremendous responsibility to direct the hearts of the people toward God and the fulfillment of the covenant. Some of the primary responsibilities of the high priest were the regular handling of sacrifices and offerings, the blessing of people, and the annual entrance into the most holy place within the tabernacle/temple during the Day of Atonement.

The Lexham Bible Dictionary High Priests in the Old Testament

The high priest served several purposes that were crucial to Israelite worship. It was the high priest’s responsibility to see that the covenant was enforced, and to direct people to complete the duties of the temple and the law of Moses. As the representative for the nation of Israel, the high priest had a tremendous responsibility to direct the hearts of the people toward God and the fulfillment of the covenant. Some of the primary responsibilities of the high priest were the regular handling of sacrifices and offerings, the blessing of people, and the annual entrance into the most holy place within the tabernacle/temple during the Day of Atonement.

High priests interceded for God’s people by offering sacrifices, such as on the Day of Atonement, and performing other rituals (see ; note on ).
Leviticus 23:26–32 NKJV
And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: “Also the tenth day of this seventh month shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is the Day of Atonement, to make atonement for you before the Lord your God. For any person who is not afflicted in soul on that same day shall be cut off from his people. And any person who does any work on that same day, that person I will destroy from among his people. You shall do no manner of work; it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be to you a sabbath of solemn rest, and you shall afflict your souls; on the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your sabbath.”
Lev 23:
Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

The introduction of the title High Priest is abrupt, although the exordium (1:3*) had alluded to Christ’s priestly act. This abruptness may indicate that the title was familiar to the addressees.183 The title, in any case, announces explicitly for the first time the theme that will dominate the rest of Hebrews’ christological exposition

Hebrews 4:4 NKJV
For He has spoken in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”;
Hebrews 4:14 NKJV
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For his Jewish readers, the writer now begins to move into the central thesis of his letter, using the analogy of the Day of Atonement, so central to Old Testament worship.
There the high priest, on behalf of his people, entered into the holiest place in the Temple covered with the sacrificial blood of animals. The solemn ritual had to be repeated year after year, since the ritual was only symbolic, waiting for that great day when the final, once-for-all sacrifice would have been made and the way to God made possible for all. History was turned on its head that day outside Jerusalem’s walls when Jesus, the God-man, cried triumphantly ‘It is finished’, and the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, the work of God’s hand not man’s revolution. How dare we ever go back behind that truth!

Help In Temptation

The Epistle to the Hebrews E. The Son of Man the Savior and High Priest of His People

His high priesthood is exercised “in matters for which they are responsible to God.” And most crucial among these matters is the matter of sin. How can sinners approach the holiness of God, either personally or through a representative? They can come to him with confidence only if their sin has been removed. And this above all else makes Jesus so incomparable a high priest and representative of his people; not only is he sinless himself, and therefore entitled to enter the presence of God on his own account, but he has dealt effectively with his people’s sins, and can therefore enter the presence of God on their account too.

[Jesus] suffered. Jesus’ sufferings as a human, especially his death (vv. 9–10).
The Epistle to the Hebrews E. The Son of Man the Savior and High Priest of His People

He endured keen trials and temptations himself, not only the trials incidental to our human lot, but those subtle temptations which attended his messianic calling.

Luke 22:42 NKJV
saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
luke 22:42
Mark 15:34 NKJV
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Jesus, as high priest, was tempted in every way and yet did not sin (4:15; also 7:26).
Hebrews 4:15 NKJV
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 7:26 NKJV
For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens;
2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
He personally experienced the power of sin when Satan confronted him and when the weaknesses of our human nature became evident. Jesus experienced hunger when he was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, thirst when he asked the woman at Jacob’s well for water, weariness when he slept while the storm raged on the Sea of Galilee, and sorrow when he wept at the grave of Lazarus.
Jesus fully experienced the intensity of temptation. He is able and willing to help us oppose the power of sin and temptation. As he said to the sinful woman in the house of Simon the Pharisee, “Your sins are forgiven.… Go in peace” (, ), so also Jesus shows his mercy, peace, and love to us. He is our sympathetic High Priest.
Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

the fact that Christ in his suffering was “tested” (πειρασθείς), because his brothers too are “being tested” (πειραζομένους), and the one who has led the way can now lend a hand

Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Excursus: The Language of “Perfection”

The content of the “test” will be graphically portrayed at 12:2–3*, in a way that clearly suggests its paradigmatic relevance to Christ’s followers.

Hebrews 12:2–3 NKJV
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

JESUS SUFFERING ESTABLISHES THE LIMITS OF OURS

God’s Anger With Us Is Gone
Jesus Saves Through Temptation
Grace and Mercy are ours in abundance

A Christian is like a tea bag—not much good until it has gone through hot water.

Suffering can do several things in the life of a believer. First, it can “burn out the dross,” or purify us and lead us to greater holiness of life. But it can also “burn in the promises,” or lead us to a closer dependence on God and his faithful promises to us. Burn it will—but look also at what the burning is for.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Temptation, Testing and

In the New Testament, the word translated “temptation” (peirazo) has two shades of meaning. When used of God’s tempting of man, it carries a positive intention. However, when it refers to the temptation of man by Satan or another person, the word implies a desire to bring out one’s bad points.

The second idea might be likened to Ralph Nader’s taking a G.M. car and running a group of tests on it. The emphasis and aim of this testing would be to bring out the bad traits of the car. However, if G.M. were to run tests on its own car, the motivation would be to point out the good traits.

Keywords: Temptation, testing and; Testing; Trials

When the Union-Pacific railroad was under construction, an elaborate trestle bridge was built over a certain large canyon in the West as part of the plan to connect St. Louis and California. Before it was open for commercial use, the construction engineer wanted to test its strength. He loaded a train with extra cars and equipment to double its normal payload. The train was driven out to the middle of the bridge, where it was to remain for an entire day. One worker complained, “Are you trying to break this bridge?” “No,” said the engineer. “I’m trying to prove that the bridge is unbreakable.”

So, too, does temptation prove our strength under pressure.

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