Hebrews 2:10-18 (NRSV)

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfectthrough sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothersand sisters, saying, I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. And again, I will put mytrust in him. And again, Here am I and the children whom God has given me. Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has thepower of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to helpangels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithfulhigh priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able tohelp those who are being tested.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.