SUMMARY
JesusJesus is the Messiah whose life, death, and resurrection are God's saving act for humanity. was and is in solidarity with many siblings.
ANALYSIS
Two points are made quickly in these three verses. The first is that Jesus was “like his brothers and sisters in every respect” (2:17). To offer sacrificeSacrifice is commonly understood as the practice of offering or giving up something as a sign of worship, commitment, or obedience. In the Old Testament grain, wine, or animals are used as sacrifice. In some New Testament writings Jesus' death on the cross as the... on behalf of the sins of others, he needed to be like them, and he was. The humanity of Jesus is vital to the overall argument of the letter. Angels do not stand in solidarity with the people. Jesus does. He is the Son of God, and he is also a brother to many siblings, existing on the same level as those for whom he made sacrifice.
The second message of these verses is that the help Jesus provides is not just a matter of past action. Indeed, he has made atonement for the people, once for all (9:12), and he also continues to offer help in the present to those who are tempted. The letter’s author does not describe this ongoing help except to affirm that Jesus is able to offer it. The solidarity with humanity that Jesus practiced in his ministry, and offered as he sacrificed his life, continues now as he is seated at God’s right hand.
