“Therefore in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17).
To serve as the High Priest for all mankind, Jesus had to become a human being, experiencing life as the high priests under the Law of Moses did. These human experiences allowed Him a greater understanding of man’s plight.
To fulfill His intended purpose, He had to remain sinless, not giving in to temptations. Then He could serve as the perfect sacrifice, qualified to pay the price for the sins of all people. God could then cleanse us from our sins and, at the same time, maintain His pure and “just” nature.
“Propitiation” means “atonement” or “appeasement.” Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, satisfied God’s requirement for a pure sacrifice. We stand today under the tremendous benefit of this great act that presented us with the opportunity of going to heaven someday.