Why should Jesus suffer?

Christian theology has been an ever evolving discipline and I believe that it still is. What theology students study today is the fruit of centuries of wrestling of the human mind with different questions on the nature of God, the nature of man, and of course questions surrounding dual natures of Jesus, the God-man himself and on how salvation is worked out etc. Consequently, we have different branches of theology. I think the text (Hebrew 2:10-18) I read today is an attempt to explain why Jesus should suffer. Since I have not studied soteriology, the part of dogmatic theology that deals with redemption, the following reflections can at most be babbling.
The author of Hebrews was trying to prove that man is privileged in God's sight. Though human nature is inferior to angels, God decided to subject everything, including angels, to man in the world to come (Hebrews 2:5). In the passion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the author understood that glory and honour came from the suffering of death and that it was God's grace that his death was on behalf of all (Hebrews 2:9).
Then the author proceeds to show that Jesus must suffer --- in order to make Jesus, the pioneer of salvation perfect.
For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
It seems that the author of Hebrews, and perhaps other New Testament authors as well, saw Jesus as their model. Jesus had been a great teacher. Not only did he preach, but he also practised. His actions were able to convey strong messages of attitudes. Therefore, it is only natural for the followers to look up to Jesus as their perfect model. At that time the New Testament was written, the disciples were suffering persecutions. Christians needed to suffer until 321 A.D. By then, they began to enjoy greater freedom and advantages. What helped them go through more than two centuries of sufferings?
People, whether ancient or modern, need to make sense of their sufferings. Otherwise, life would be unbearable. When people find a meaning in their sufferings, they are more willing to endure the pains and the inconvenience. Athletes, students and martyrs are good illustrations. Therefore, Christians in the first century would see suffering as the path leading to glory and honour. Just as athletes suffered to attain glory and honour in this world, early Christians were taught that suffering helped them attain glory and honour in the world to come. Christ was called the "first fruits" of resurrection by Paul (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). Then James (James 1:18) and John (Revelation 14:4) called Christians the "first fruits" of redemption. Other theories of sufferings such as ransom, atonement etc. have to wait until the Church Fathers to develop. The previous sentence is only a speculation. I think the seeds of such theories can also be discovered in the scripture.
Then, the author of Hebrews continues to establish the High Priesthood of Jesus.
Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people.
For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:17-18).
I will leave this for further reflection.

Dear Lord, You set up a model to suffer for us with mercy. Let us follow Your example to suffer without complaints for the love of our neighbours. Amen.