Christ Perfected Through Suffering
It is said of Jesus, the Captain of our salvation, that he was made "perfect through suffering." This certainly does not refer to moral character; for there was no spot or blemish in him. To what then does the perfection refer?—To his priesthood. Jesus could not be a perfect high priest till he knew by his own experience in mortal, sinful flesh, the infirmities of man and the temptations to which he was subject. So he was born of a woman, under the law, suffered in meeting temptations, and conquered through divine strength. "Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted." Heb. 2:17, 18. And this principle obtained also in the Levitical dispensation. Men were made priests who could have compassion on the erring. Heb. 5:12. How great is the favor and compassion of God! The sufferings of the Son of God were all for us.