How Was Jesus Developed During His Earthly Ministry?

Jesus was developed as a merciful high priest during his earthly ministry so that he could provide mercy, salvation and help to his followers during the present time and to the human family in his earthly kingdom.

The apostle Paul explains this in Heb. 2:10,17-18 (NASB): “For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect [complete] the author of their salvation [Jesus] through sufferings. … (17) Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. (18) For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.”

Jesus’ first-hand exposure to man’s frailties and fallen nature taught him to sympathize with the fallen human race. Jesus was touched with a feeling of man’s infirmities as Paul writes in Heb. 4:16-16 (NASB): “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (16) Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

As a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, Jesus provides mercy and grace to his followers now and mankind in his kingdom. “Son though he was, he had to prove the meaning of obedience through all that he suffered. Then, when he had been proved the perfect Son, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who should obey him, being now recognised by God himself as High Priest “after the order of Melchizedek.” Heb. 5:8-10 (Philips)

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