He had to be made like us

Based on Hebrews 2:14–18

In the richness of God’s divine plan, there lies a truth both humbling and deeply comforting: Jesus had to be made like us. Not just in spirit, but in flesh and blood—fully human, fully vulnerable, yet fully divine. Hebrews 2:14-18 reveals the breathtaking reason why: “So that by His death He might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.”

In other words, Christ’s humanity was not incidental—it was essential.
God didn’t save us from afar. He didn’t rescue us through a distant decree or send an angelic warrior to do the job. No, He stepped into the story Himself. Jesus, the Son of God, was born into human frailty. He wept. He hungered. He suffered pain, rejection, and temptation — just as we do. Why? So that He could be our merciful and faithful high priest — an advocate who not only speaks on our behalf, but deeply understands the depths of our struggles.

The incarnation is not just a Christmas story; it’s the cornerstone of salvation. In becoming like us, Jesus experienced the full weight of human life and bore the full punishment of human sin. Because He lived as we live and died as we deserve, He can now stand between us and the wrath of sin — not as a distant judge, but as our compassionate intercessor.

Jesus did what no angel could do. He came for Abraham’s descendants — for the broken, the bound, the weary, and the lost. Through His sacrifice, He shattered the grip of death and fear, offering us freedom and eternal life.

So how should we respond?

We respond with gratitude — not just in words, but in lifestyle. We live changed.

We no longer walk in bondage to sin or fear of death, because the One who defeated death walks with us. We pursue holiness not to earn salvation, but to honor the One who made salvation possible.

Let us be a people who recognize the weight of this mercy. Jesus came low so that we could rise high. He suffered so we could be healed. He became like us so we could become more like Him.

As we reflect on this powerful truth, may we set aside every excuse and every sin that holds us back. Let us live with boldness, humility, and reverence—knowing that our Savior didn’t just save us… He stood in our place.
And because of that, we are free.

Rev. Dr. Christopher L. Thompson is pastor of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Okatie, S.C.