Our Great Sympathizer
Hebrews 5
September 22, 2024
Jay Haugh
For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. —Hebrews 3:14 ESV
Jesus is not just greater in who He is, but what He has done.
Qualifications for an Old Testament Priest.
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. —Hebrews 5:1 ESV
(1) A high priest doesn’t apply for the position but is appointed.
And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. —Hebrews 5:4 ESV
(2) The high priest had to be sympathetic.
He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he [the high priest] is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. —Hebrews 5:2-3 ESV
Jesus fulfills all the qualifications.
So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” —Hebrews 5:5-6 ESV
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death. —Hebrews 5:7 ESV
Jesus offers loud cries and tears.
Jesus is appointed and sympathetic.
and he was heard because of his reverence. —Hebrews 5:7 ESV
Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. —Hebrews 5:8 ESV
Jesus went through a lifetime of choosing obedience.
Jesus learned to always say “Yes” to God.
“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.” —John 6:38-39 ESV
And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. —Hebrews 5:9 ESV
He is perfect as the Son of God, but He needs to demonstrate Himself as complete – a completely obedient man.
Jesus needs to be a willing sacrifice.
The Wizard of Oz is not sympathetic!
We have a God who entered humanity and knows exactly what you’re going through!
And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. —Hebrews 5:9-10 ESV
God designates the way, the truth and the life in Jesus.
About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. —Hebrews 5:11-14 ESV
Mature people apply the Bible to their lives!
Big Idea:
We hold fast to Jesus because He sympathizes with us and gives us strength to endure.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: Hebrews 1:1-2a NIV
Long ago in many ways and at many times God’s prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us.
The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
High priests are appointed by God for service to the people. How do you serve God by serving His people? Are there any service opportunities you would like to learn more about at New Covenant? If so, what are they and who should you contact?
What role did suffering and submission play in the life of Jesus? How does Scripture portray the purpose of suffering? What suffering are you glad you went through and why?
Read 1 Peter 2:4-10.
What does it mean that as believers we are considered to be a royal priesthood? In what ways are you living out your duties as a priest? In what areas do you need God’s help to be obedient?
Read Hebrews 5:11-14
In the analogy of milk and solid food, what does “milk” represent in our Christian walk? What are some examples of “solid food?” How can we move from one to the other?
The author encourages us to become teachers ourselves. When you think of yourself as someone who can teach others, how does that make you feel? Do you feel comfortable sharing your faith with others? What are some ways you can overcome fear or insecurity and become a better witness for Christ?
Think about someone in your life who might be “dull of hearing” to God’s word. How can you approach them in a loving and sensitive way about deepening their relationship with Christ? How would you explain the importance of moving beyond the basics of the Christian walk?
This passage emphasizes the importance of teachers. Who are some spiritual mentors you’ve had in your life? How can you, in turn, become a mentor for others on their faith journey?
Share about a time when you had to discern between right and wrong. What helped you make the right decision? How can you develop and exercise discernment in your choices? What role does Scripture and prayer play in this process?