Relevant Biblical Passages: Hebrews 2

Jesus – One of Us. One of the most precious teachings of the New Testament is that Jesus is like us. He was tempted like we are tempted. And as Hebrews 2 notes, he thus is able to be a faithful high priest. But Jesus as “one of us” is not all good news. We will want to address the shadow side as well as the positive side. Discussion questions:

1. 1. Hebrews 2:10 states that “the pioneer” of our “salvation” was made perfect through suffering. In what sense was Jesus made perfect through suffering? In what sense can his experience be a parallel and a model for us?
      Note: As the sinless one, Christ was already morally perfect. What happened to Jesus during the incarnation was the making of a perfect high priest who was tempted in all points as we are tempted. In that sense, a certain caution is called for when we seek to establish Jesus as the perfect example for those who fall far short of moral perfection and who are not being qualified to serve as priest in the way Jesus serves. See “The Brother – One With Us,” chapter 3 of William Johnsson’s In Absolute Confidence (Nashville: Southern Publishing Association, 1979), pp. 54-74.
   2. Can we know why it was important for the author of Hebrews to argue that Jesus must be made “like his brothers” and “in every respect” so that he could be a merciful and faithful high priest?
   3. What is the proper application of Hebrews 2:18: “Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.” If Jesus successfully warded off all temptation and I fall to temptation, how does his “victory” help me?