lectionary.com

Epiphany Season · Presentation of the Lord · Year A

Hebrews 2:14-18

Jesus Made Like His Brothers

February 2, 2026

The Temptation of Christ, Juan de Flandes
The Temptation of Christ, Juan de Flandes, c. 1500National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
A small Netherlandish panel from a series made for Isabella of Castile. The devil is dressed as a friar, with claws showing beneath the habit.Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.Juan de FlandesA Netherlandish painter who spent his career in Spain as court painter to Isabella of Castile, and whose real name is unknown.National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.Founded on Andrew Mellon's collection and his insistence that it carry no one's name, and free to the public by law.National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Revised Common Lectionary
GospelLuke 2:22-40Lk 2:22-40
EpistleHeb. 2:14-18Heb 2:14-18
Old TestamentMal. 3:1-4Mal 3:1-4
PsalterPs. 84Ps 84 orPs. 24:7-10Ps 24:7-10

Overview & Insights

“He had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest.” (Hebrews 2:17)

Without question the greatest obstacle to the author’s argument about the superiority of the Son is the authentic humanity of the Son, which involved him in both suffering and death. For the first time our author uses the name of the man from Nazareth, Jesus (v. 9). The humanity, the suffering, and the death of Jesus all seem to point with unmistakable clarity to his inferiority in comparison with the angels. The matter obviously demands attention, if the author’s argument is to stand; and rather than shrinking from the problem, he effectively turns it to his advantage.

From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.

Take it further: Hebrews 2:14-18

Commentary

Hebrews 2:14-18Heb 2:14-18 Working Preacher

Explains how the incarnation frees those enslaved by the fear of death and makes Jesus a merciful high priest.

Hebrews 2:10-18Heb 2:10-18 Center for Excellence in Preaching

A Reformed reading of why Jesus had to share flesh and blood with the sisters and brothers he came to save.

Classic commentaries on Hebrews 2Classic commentaries on Heb 2 BibleHub

Parallel classic commentaries verse by verse across Hebrews 2:14-18.

Hebrews 2:14-18Heb 2:14-18 Enduring Word · David Guzik

An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.

Background & Word Study

Hebrews and WorkHeb and Work Theology of Work

A commentary on Hebrews reading its high-priest and solidarity themes for everyday faith and vocation.

Hebrews 2:16-18: Jesus, Priest and BrotherHeb 2:16-18: Jesus, Priest and Brother Enter the Bible

Background on how Jesus becomes a merciful and faithful high priest who helps those being tested.

Overview: HebrewsOverview: Heb BibleProject

An animated overview tracing the argument for Jesus as the greater and merciful high priest.

The Church Fathers

Hebrews 2, patristic commentaryHeb 2, patristic commentary Catena

Patristic comment on Christ sharing our flesh to break the power of death.

Prep at sermons.com

Ready to write?

  • Full sermons on Luke 2:22-40
  • Illustrations cleared for use in worship
  • Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Open it at sermons.com →

Trusted by pastors since 1995.

Free every Tuesday

Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox

The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.