How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
We do see Jesus […] crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. 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 perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:9-10, NRSV)
We see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:9-10, KJV)
Wait…suffering is a good thing? Sure, Jesus was beaten, flogged, and crucified, but according to Hebrews, it all turned out good in the end. He gets a primo seat in Heaven with God and the whole world gets saved.
Quote #2
He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high 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 to help those who are being tested. (Hebrews 2:17-18, NRSV)
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. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Hebrews 2:17-18, KJV)
Another perk of suffering: it fills you with empathy. The author says that because Jesus was a human being and knew what it was like to suffer and die, he's a little more approachable than the Big Guy when you're going through tough times.
Quote #3
We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are. (Hebrews 4:15, NRSV)
We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15, KJV)
There it is again: Jesus' suffering is his trump card. He knows how tough it is, and he's ready to talk anytime.