Why Did He Have to Suffer?

 Hebrews 2:14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 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. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

As we saw Friday in our study in chapter 1, Jesus came as the greatest revelation of God and His will, as He Himself is God the Son.  That says a lot about Who Christ is; this chapter says a lot about why He came.  To begin with, angels - messengers of God, were not sufficient to do what needed to be done for our salvation.  The Savior had to have the same power as the Creator of the universe, including man. He also had to become one of us. In order to lead men triumphantly out of the kingdom of darkness, He had to have the authority to do so.  But what He came to do also required empathy and identification. This was no mere physical bondage we were it; it was far deeper, to our souls.  He had to come suffer all we do, and even more, experiencing what it is to struggle with sin and its dire effects on our lives. This way He not only defeats sin and its power; He becomes our strength as we continue to endure its effects in this life.