Hebrews 4:15-5:2
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.
Hebrews 5:7-9
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him
Apocalyptic traditions portray Heaven as a place of worship. The book of Revelation in particular portrays Heaven like a
In the text for today, “boldness” can be equated with “
When the text says that Christ sympathizes or empathizes with our weakness, the word does not connotate emotional
In much of ancient culture, including Rome and Greece, there was a strong belief that
Discipline in Scripture is sometimes portrayed as a sign of God’s
Our Great High Priest
A high priest had important responsibilities in two
All other high priests were appointed based on their family line. Jesus was appointed because of his
Because of Jesus we can appraoch God’s throne in prayer with great
By the will of the
The Parabola of Salvation
The parabola/parable is the recurring story told of Jesus’ glory, his humility, and his restored place of honor because of his suffering.
The story has been told three times up to and including our passage for today.
1. 1:1-4 - The Goal here is to give us
2. 2:5-18 - The Goal here is to give us
3. 4:14-5:2 - The Goal here is that we would
Seeking God’s Help
The way you
We are partakers and
The Divine Mystery
It is typical for us to be amazed that as a human, Jesus was able to maintain his
This text in Hebrews tells us we should be amazed that Jesus, as our divine Lord, always maintained his
We should HOLD FAST and STEP BOLDLY.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does “boldness” in prayer look like in your own life?
- How does knowing that Jesus “learned obedience through suffering” (Heb. 5:8) shape the way we think about our own difficulties?
- What difference does it make in your faith to know that Jesus doesn’t just forgive, but also intercedes for you before the Father?
- In what ways can we mirror the “Parabola of Salvation” pattern—humbling ourselves and trusting that God will raise us up?