Hebrews 2:17 Why in all things it behooved him to be made like to his brothers… I. IT IS SAID HERE, IT BECAME OUR SAVIOUR, OR HE MADE HIMSELF A DEBTOR, TO NO WHAT HE DID. 1. Though He acted willingly, and laid down His life freely, yet this became Him in respect of His compassion and great good-will to men. 2. It became Him in respect of His Father's will, and the pursuit of that business in which He was engaged. 3. It behoved Him in all things to be made like unto us. What, sin and all? No; God forbid; that is excepted (Hebrews 4:5). Our Saviour was made like unto us. (1) In our limitation, contraction, bodily shape. He was as we are, confined to time, place, bodily weakness and infirmity. (2) In passions, affections and sensitive apprehensions. Only there is this difference; in us they ebb and flow, but in our Saviour they were exactly governed. (3) In our necessities of relief and support, as eating, drinking, sleeping, cessation from action. Therefore, we read, that He was weary, hungry, and the like. II. In the next place it follows that He was LIKE UNTO US, THAT HE MIGHT BE A MERCIFUL AND FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST. This was done with respect to us; in a way of compassion and pure good-will. Two things evidence this unto us. That the state which our Saviour submitted to, the principle that moved Him, was pure goodwill. (1) The motive of God's sending Him, and of His coming. (2) The end and business of His coming was all from good-will. (3) In respect of God, it is said, that God "so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." And then(4), The business that He came about: which doth give us a full account of our Saviour's intention, and doth justify our Saviour's work. For He came about a work as certainly Divine as the very Creation itself was. III. In the next place it follows THAT OUR INFIRMITIES ARE COMPASSIONABLE. These three things put together, do something lessen the sins of man, and procure him pity with God. 1. That he is liable to fail and be mistaken. 2. That in his constitution he doth consist of body and spirit. 3. That he is exposed to all sorts of temptations from without in this dangerous world. So that through the grace of God it is not so much what sin is as what the demeanour of a person is after sin. The same goodness that doth pardon penitents cloth punish obstinacy.Inferences: 1. Though we are under guilt, yet let us not despair: for if we do submit, and turn to God, it is a case of mercy, and God will forgive. 2. Let us have no hard thoughts of God upon occasion of His present judgments, or future denunciations. Let us consider the temper that is in obstinate sinners. God may give repentance to the sinner, but He cannot give pardon to the impenitent. 3. Take notice, that to be tempted, and to sin, are two things. None can hinder an offer to be made; but it lies in our power to resist it. Satan may tempt, but he cannot force. Neither are we alone; for God will assist us, and wilt not be wanting to those that are willing to make use of His strength. 4. Let us counterwork the Evil One, by frequent proposals of good. If there be evil thoughts suggested, put yourselves upon good thoughts and motions. Live not carelessly in the world, since the world is a place of so much danger. 5. Do not run away with every report, nor bite at every bait; since we live among our enemies in a place of danger, difficulty, ill representations. (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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