Hebrews II
Therefore He had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17 ESV)
Like Us in EVERY Way
We are very used to the idea of Mass Production. Make one successful Model T, and then you can copy it exactly, multiple times, in the factory. Each Model T, coming off the assembly line, is exactly the same (in everything that matters.)
My favorite pet was a wire-haired fox terrier in my childhood. Every pet I have had since then ends up being compared, at some point in my mind, to that dog. And no pet has been exactly like Kelly.
Jesus Christ replaces us on the cross. Jesus Christ replaces us during His earthly life.
He can only do that because He was made to be like us.
Not in hair color, sense of humor, food preferences, or sleep patterns.
But in what matters.
Jesus took on a physical body capable of suffering, pain, and death.
He possessed a human heart, mind, and will, experiencing emotions such as sorrow and distress.
He lived under human conditions, navigating life in a fallen world and facing temptation, yet remained sinless.
Unlike humanity, Jesus did not inherit a sinful nature, though He was tempted in all ways as we are.
And thus He, and He alone, can be our savior.