Contemplative Bible Reading

Hebrews 2:16-18 (New Living Translation)

16 We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. 17 Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. 18 Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.

Jesus didn’t come to earth to help angels. Perhaps angels didn’t need help—I doubt that, but can’t prove that doubt. No, Jesus came to help the “descendants of Abraham,” i.e., the Jews and the Gentile nations (see many other passages for that assertion).

As part of helping us, Jesus had to endure “suffering and testing.” Jesus had to join mankind in this sorry state. Daily we suffer. Daily we face tests. We fail the tests often—some days much more than others. It is difficult to pass a test when you have a headache, i.e., when suffering from this life.

Thank you God that we don’t have to pass all the tests or even pass a few of them. Thank you for grace.