"For it was an act worthy [of God] and fitting [to the divine nature] that He, for Whose sake and by Whom all things have their existence, in bringing many sons into glory, should make the Pioneer of their salvation perfect [should bring to maturity the human experience necessary to be perfectly equipped for His office as High Priest] through suffering" ( Hebrews 2:10 Amp )
Jesus was sinless so He could not sympathize with us on that basis as in the case of the Levitical priesthood. However, Jesus knew the fullness of the human experience through suffering so that he could accurately intercede for us. "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers 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 ). Because of His humanity and experience with suffering, he is able to relate to us in our time of need. The Amplified Bible tells us "because He Himself [in His humanity] has suffered in being tempted (tested and tried), He is able [immediately] to run to the cry of (assist, relieve) those who are being tempted and tested and tried [and who therefore are being exposed to suffering]" ( Hebrews 2:18 Amp ).
This is amazing because when Satan brings accusation against us before God, we have Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father giving our defense. He can sympathize with us because He himself underwent the full human experience. He suffered so that He could perfectly intercede for us, drawing from that experience. This is an amazing look into the character and nature of God. Who subjected Jesus to the worst humanity has to offer so that He would faithfully reside as our high priest extending mercy to us in every circumstance.
Tomorrow we look at Part 3: Jesus’ Office as High Priest is Guaranteed by an Oath
