Hebrews 2:10-18 CEB

10 It was appropriate for God, for whom and through whom everything exists, to use experiences of suffering to make perfect the pioneer of salvation. This salvation belongs to many sons and daughters whom he’s leading to glory. 11 This is because the one who makes people holy and the people who are being made holy all come from one source. That is why Jesus isn’t ashamed to call them brothers and sisters when he says, 

12 I will publicly announce your name to my brothers and sisters. 
        I will praise you in the middle of the assembly. 

13 He also says, 

       I will rely on him. 

And also, 

      Here I am with the children whom God has given to me. 

14 Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he also shared the same things in the same way. He did this to destroy the one who holds the power over death—the devil—by dying. 15 He set free those who were held in slavery their entire lives by their fear of death. 16 Of course, he isn’t trying to help angels, but rather he’s helping Abraham’s descendants. 17 Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every way. This was so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, in order to wipe away the sins of the people. 18 He’s able to help those who are being tempted, since he himself experienced suffering when he was tempted. 

People grow in compassion and mercy to the extent that they have experienced and endured suffering like their fellow human beings.  The more you have endured, the deeper your compassion has the potential to grow.  Perhaps our vulnerability and receptiveness are decisive factors. 

We will naturally look out for those we consider “family” more than anyone else.  We will defend our family, we will love our family, we will fight for our family, we will give to our family, we will suffer for our family, some of us may die for our families. 

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ is Good News because it perfects his Salvation—in this way, He claimed kinship with us by submerging into flesh and blood, toiling and suffering alongside us.  In Him, we are being made Holy and perfect.  He was the embodiment of us in every way, so he could become the High Priest, transplant-donor for us in order to cleanse us from sin.  Jesus can relate to us and only He can help us. 

Jesus is the wounded healer.  Jesus is the go-between.  Jesus vouches for us.  Jesus is legit--he has the ultimate street cred.  He’s been where we’ve been.  He understands what you are going through.  There is nothing we suffer, we wrestle with, we are tempted by that is too far gone and out there for Jesus.  This is why we can turn to him and be healed and be saved.  Jesus’ incarnation is Good News for all people because it means God has drawn near to us.  It means God is present and accessible and not aloof.