Hebrews 2:17 Why in all things it behooved him to be made like to his brothers… 1. The high priest was in the Jewish Church an eminent instrument of God, the most visible and eminent type of Christ that was. And truly, were not the high priest in the Jewish state transcendently supplied, he would be greatly missed. But, thanks be to God, whereas they had the shadow, we have the substance. The high priest was always a middle person between God and the people, to be in readiness to make approaches to God, whatsoever the necessity was. 2. And then He was merciful, viz., to make the best of our cave; to compassionate us in misery, and to help us out. 3. Not only merciful but faithful; true to our cause, will make the best of oar case. One that is trusted by God for us. 4. Next, in things pertaining to God. Where I observe that the business of Christ is wholly spiritual. Christ's government is in the mind, understanding and conscience. Christ did not come into the world for worldly ends and purposes; these are things far below His intentions. The notion of Christ's government is for mental illumination, delivery from sin, moral refinement, sanctification here, and glorification hereafter. They do act in the spirit of Christ, who are preachers of righteousness by words and by practice; what is not spiritual is wholly foreign to Christ's kingdom, and to His government. And then again, Christianity lays a foundation of no enmity, but only to unrighteousness and to wickedness. For if we be in a true Christian spirit, we will endeavour to reconcile, and we must be in reconciliation with everything that holds of God and that God doth uphold. 5. Whatsoever is declared concerning Christ; whatsoever the excellency of His person: this is the advantage that we have by it; that He makes use of all His power and interest for our benefit; and He was appointed of God to this end, that He might make reconciliation for the sins of the people. I am now from these words to give you an account of the business of reconciliation, which is the great undertaking of our Saviour; which is the product of infinite wisdom and goodness, and which is our greatest concernment, as being fundamentally necessary to happiness. For it is not possible we should be made happy by God Himself, if not reconciled to Him; we are eternally undone if this be not done. 1. This Reconciler goes in a way of moral motion. 2. He treats with both parties at variance. 3. He doth equally consider the right of both sides. 4. Reconciliation must be mutual. 5. It is acceptable every way to each party: the work of reconciliation is acceptable to God and man.To God, because God's honour is maintained, and because infinite wisdom and goodness have therein exercised themselves. And to man, because man is put upon nothing but what is best in itself; that a man if he did but consider, he would not be saved in another way. And man now is out of danger, and looks upon God as his Friend. And God delights in this His product, infinite wisdom and goodness together. This is the representation I make you concerning the matter of reconciliation. I will now speak of the manner of reconciliation, and show you what our Saviour in our behalf did undertake, that was highly satisfactory to the mind of God, and according to His will; and therefore it was the true manner of reconciliation. 1. Concerning the quality of sin. Here is a declaration of its unworthiness, its odiousness in the sight of God, its ill demerit, its hurtfulness to the creature; for it destroys the subject, and is a pernicious example. Now it is fit that the person to be restored be made sensible of his condition, and what the physician hath done for him. 2. In respect of the law, four things were done by Christ's undertaking. (1) God's unquestionable right to make laws depending on His own will and pleasure. (2) The necessity of such laws that are in themselves good and founded in the relation the creature stands in to God. (3) The reason and equity of all these laws. (4) Man is bound in subjection to them. All these things are acknowledged by our Saviour's undertaking. 3. An open condemnation of sin is requisite and fitting in this case of the creatures wilful practice upon God; and to be for ever hereafter a check upon all lusts. And this is remarkably done by our Saviour, since He died for sin. This arrogant practice of the creature is sufficiently witnessed against; since an innocent person hath died for it. And doth not this look backward, and condemn what man hath done; and look forward, and restrain lust and sin, for all time to come? So that this being in itself worthy, is satisfactory to God, and the pardon of sin is thereby facilitated. 4. Owning God as supreme and sovereign, and owning the rule of right, is done in the very nature that had transgressed. 5. There is demonstration of God's veracity and holiness. He had given out prohibition under the penalty of death. "In the day that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die the death." And this is fulfilled in the very letter. God's holiness and impartiality is declared, and this is according to the mind and will of God; and a matter that is acceptable is always matter of satisfaction. 6. He brings things to rights again. That is done by our Saviour's undertaking. The curse was taken off, and God returns to blessing, and He hath blessed man ever since. The passage is open to our free communication with God. (B. Whichcote, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. |
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