5c Identity: Jesus – the human “high priest”

Identity: Jesus – the human “high priest”

It remains the case, though, that Jesus’ humanity is fundamental to the epistle’s message and intrinsic to the efficacy of his high-priestly activity. Indeed, one might argue that, of all the canonical nonevangelical testimony (and maybe even including the canonical Gospel accounts), no other NT text places more significance on Jesus’ human identity.23 He is portrayed as one who is able to sympathize with the audience’s testing because he himself was tested in every way (4.15), and is able to secure the salvation of his sisters and brothers
(2.10 –11) because he shares in their very humanity…