As we enter this season, our minds naturally turn toward the Incarnation—the astonishing truth that God became man. For the author of Hebrews (as well as the other biblical writers) this wasn’t just a sweet story; it was as essential step that made our salvation complete.
It’s good practice to regularly take spiritual inventory. We must constantly remind ourselves: What do we actually possess in Christ because He came in the flesh? If we don’t, we risk falling into the kind of “gospel amnesia” that kinks the fuel line of the Christian life.
Hebrews 2:14-18 gives us some refreshing truths regarding this spiritual inventory, revealing three crucial roles Jesus assumed in His “saving sympathy” for sinners — three gifts that only the God-Man could deliver.
1. He Became Our Death Destroyer
One reason Christ took on “flesh and blood” was to face death.
“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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:14–15)
Christ defeated the Devil by defeating his primary weapon: death. The only way for the immortal God to kill death was to become mortal man Himself. By doing this he killed death with death. What a twist! You can’t make this stuff up!
This victory is the cure for the deep, fundamental anxiety of humanity. Psychologists and philosophers have called the persistent dread of our mortality “the worm at the core” of the human condition—the constant, gnawing realization that our time is coming. We are essentially living life on death row. The fear of this is so enslaving, it can ruin life itself. Think of having a massive fear of public speaking: if you know you have to give a speech at the end of a beautiful party, your anxiety will prevent you from enjoying the entire celebration.
That is life apart from Christ. But in Him, death loses its sting. He has performed a “stinger-ectomy” on death – removing its stinger. He has “emptied the chamber” into Himself, leaving no bullets of condemnation for the believer. For us, death is no longer a source of slavery but simply a release into the joy and pleasures at God’s right hand (Ps. 16:11).
2. He Became Our Wrath Propitiator
In addition to defeating death, Christ’s humanity qualified Him for the most sacred role: that of our High Priest.
“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.” (Hebrews 2:17)
The ultimate High Priest needed to embody a dual role: representing God to man, and man to God.
His representation of God to man is symbolized in the Old Testament even by what he wore. He was instructed to wear royal colors and gold accents, including a golden head-plate that said “Holiness to the Lord” (all representing God’s majesty). Additionally, the High Priest carried the Urim and Thummim, which were used to discern God’s will and judgment, showing that he spoke for God to the people.
From the other direction, the high priest would represent man to God. This role of intercession and advocacy was powerfully symbolized by the high priest carrying the names of the twelve tribes of Israel—engraved on twelve precious stones set into his breastplate and on stones upon his shoulders—whenever he entered the Holy Place. By bearing their names “on his heart” (Ex. 28:29), the high priest constantly brought the people before God with all their needs, sins, and identity.
To accomplish this ultimate priestly work, only a God-Man would suffice. As the 11th-century theologian Anselm reasoned, the debt of sin was so great that “while man alone owed it, only God could pay it”. The Incarnation ensured that the one who in his nature ought to pay (man) was in the person of the one who could pay (God).
The result is Propitiation: Jesus fully satisfied the righteous wrath of God against His people’s sin. He “drank it down to the dregs”, leaving none of the cup of God’s judgment for us to face. This masterfully orchestrated plan magnifies both God’s justice and His boundless mercy.
3. He Became Our Trial Helper
Finally, by stepping into the dust of the earth, Christ is uniquely able to help us in our daily struggles and temptations.
“For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”(Hebrews 2:18)
Jesus is not an “ivory tower Savior” who keeps His distance. He is the Captain of our salvation (the originator, founder, trailblazer) who suffered and was perfected through that suffering. The soldiers’ deepest respect is for the officer who has walked in their shoes and shared their hardships.
The British officer, Captain Hedley Vicars (mid 1800s), willingly refused any special comforts during a difficult winter campaign in Crimea. He would not remain comfortable while the men serving under him suffered. This act of shared suffering earned their hearts and gave them courage.
Our Savior is even more committed. He suffered more than you or I will ever have to. When you feel discouraged and begin to think, “No one knows what I’m going through right now,” you can look down and see the footprints of Jesus. He’s already tread that ground. He helps us not just by divine power, but by drawing from His own intimate human experience.
Summing It Up
This kind of “spiritual inventory” reveals the immense, thorough love of God. Because Christ was willing to do whatever it takes to save His people—including becoming human—we (all those who embrace Christ by faith) are now eternally free from the fear of death, safe from the wrath of God, and supported by a sympathetic High Priest in every trial.
This is the music of the gospel: “Oh tidings of comfort and joy!”
This is an edited A.I. summary of the sermon “Three Roles Jesus Assumed In His Saving Sympathy”
"This & That" 
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