Hebrews 2:14-18
Chapter 2
14
And since the children share the same nature of flesh and blood, Jesus, likewise, had to share this nature. This is why his death destroyed the one holding the power of death, that is, the devil,
15
and freed those who remained in bondage all their lives because of the fear of death.
16
For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham.
17
So, he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect to be the high priest, faithful to God and merciful to them, a priest able to ask forgiveness and atone for their sins.
18
Having been tested through suffering, he is able to help those who are tested.
Commentaries
Pioneer of Salvation and High Priest.
Solidarity is the core trait of this salvation pioneer: “he had to be like his brothers in every way” (17) to make us like him. This solidarity led him to death, and by accepting death controlled by the Devil, he defeated the Devil (cf. Jn 12:31) and death (cf. 1 Cor 15:55) “to free those who, through fear of death, spend their lives in slavery” (15). Thus, Christ becomes High Priest, “mediator” between God and humanity. In the entire New Testament, only Jesus is called ‘Priest’ in this letter.