October 30

For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in every way, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, in order to make atonement for the sins of the people. — Heb 2:17 BSB

What heart can conceive or tongue express the infinite depths of the Redeemer’s condescension in becoming like His brethren? That the Son of God would assume a finite nature, subject to the sinless infirmities connected with an earthly existence; that He would leave the bosom of His Father, where He had been from all eternity, and consent to become an inhabitant of this world of sorrows. He breathed earthly air, was a witness to human sins, and even shared in human sufferings. He lived every day surrounded by sin and sorrow, was banished from His heavenly home, and endured hunger, weariness, and thirst. He faced the persecutions of men, the betrayal of one of His closest disciples, and the abandonment of all the others. He did not hide His face from shame and spitting, but allowed Himself to be mocked, struck, buffeted, and scourged. Finally, He died an agonizing death between two criminals, amid scorn and infamy, and was, in the eyes of men, covered with shame and disgrace. O, what infinite condescension and mercy are displayed in the sufferings of an incarnate God! May the Lord grant us faith to see Him suffering these things for our sake!