Definition: Wherefore in all things it behoved 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 2:17. It's a really important passage about Jesus Christ and how he fulfills our need for forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Jesus is speaking about the role of priests in the Old Testament – people who offered sacrifices to God to show that people were sorry for their sins. But Jesus wants to do something better than just offer sacrifices. He wants to be like our brothers and sisters, showing us a way to have a relationship with God again! Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore in all things it behoved him…” : This means “Because of this… or because of this situation…” It's setting up a reason. “…to be made like unto his brethren…” : This is the key part. Jesus wants to become more similar to God’s brothers and sisters – people who are kind, faithful, and loving. Think of it as becoming a model of those qualities. “that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest…” : This describes what Jesus is doing: He's becoming a priest – someone who can offer something valuable to God. A priest was responsible for offering sacrifices, and Jesus is now offering this sacrifice of forgiveness. “…in things pertaining to God…” : This means he’s focusing on the relationship with God, not just on our own needs or desires. “to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” : This is about forgiveness. Sins are wrong acts that damage our relationship with God. Jesus wants to restore that relationship – to have a peace and understanding with God again. In short, Jesus is offering a way to be reconciled with God through his sacrifice, showing us how we can be like him in our faith. Why is this important? This verse speaks about the importance of: Faith: It’s about believing in Jesus and trusting him for forgiveness. Forgiveness: It emphasizes that God can forgive us, even when we don't deserve it. Connection: It shows us how to be closer to God through our actions and attitudes. Does this relate to you? Do you have any questions about this verse or anything else I can help you with?