Ex Paradiso
Despite Jesus’ supremacy, he temporarily humbled himself, becoming positionally lower than the angels by taking on human form. In doing so, Jesus became like us “in every respect” (2:17), demonstrating a solidarity and unity with mankind. The text even says that Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers! Wow! Shameful sinners such as us proudly welcomed into the family of God.
The incarnation of Christ (Jesus becoming a human) is foundational to the rest of Hebrews. It is a prerequisite for his being appointed as a high priest and offering himself as a sacrifice for sins. For Jesus to fulfill these roles, he must first become a man. Why? Because (1) high priests are chosen from among men (Hebrews 5:1) and (2) one must take on mortal flesh in order to experience death. No incarnation, no salvation.
Why did Jesus come to earth? I’ll tell you two more things:
To be appointed as a high priest and to die as an offering.
*For further reading in the Bible: Hebrews 2:5 – 2:18
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