Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Hebrews 2:17

To “make propitiation” means to bring something that takes away wrath, something that causes the righteous anger of the one offended to dissipate.

Jesus, the eternal Son of God, being of one substance with the Father, had to also become a man just like us, so that He could be the high priest that we needed between man and God. He bridged the tremendous gap between creator and creature.

No one can say to Him, “You don’t know what it’s like to be tempted!” because He’s been there, felt it, and yet stayed pure and clean, Himself.

He’s in a position to judge, and to forgive. He can sympathize with my weakness, call me to repentance and, with mercy, forgive, and He faithfully stands between us and the wrath of God, because He knows our weakness and the furious power of the temptations we face.

Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my human nature on Yourself. Thank You for interceding for me. I know that I can rely completely - and only - on Your deep understanding, Your mercy, and Your forgiveness. Thank You for standing by me, today.
Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles