Fully Human
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 2:10-18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Jesus is our brother. Sometimes we might not like to think of Jesus this way because we might think we’re lowering his divinity, power, or authority. But this is exactly who Jesus is; Hebrews makes clear that he is our brother.
Hebrews 2 emphasizes the reality that Jesus was made “fully human in every way.” We cannot stress this enough. Jesus did not simply appear to be human; he was and is fully human. As the writer explains, we needed one who is exactly like us to be able to break the power of the devil for our sake.
Referring to Jesus as our brother does not reduce his power or authority. It highlights the very real fact that he became fully human in order to “make atonement for the sins of the people.” As a human being, he experienced temptation just as we do. He is no stranger to our experiences. He knows what we go through because he himself went through it.
Jesus doesn’t just sympathize with us as one who does not really know what our life is like. As a human he has suffered, and he was tempted just as we are. He knows what we go through, and as a result, that can help us in our weakness. Jesus suffered and was proved perfect through his suffering in order to make us holy. Not only do we have one who understands, but because of his suffering, we are being made holy through him.
Jesus, our brother, thank you for becoming like one of us. Thank you for your suffering, through which we are being made holy. Amen.
About the author — Brian Kuyper
Brian Kuyper is the lead pastor at a church in Taber, Alberta. He has served in two congregations in southern Alberta over the past 12 years. He is married to Brenda, and they have three school-age children.
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