Jesus’ heart is gentle and lowly.

Jesus leads, guides, and walks with us in the pain and difficulties.

Sympathy means “with emotions” or “with feelings.”

Jesus is sympathetic.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —- Hebrews 4:15

Jesus is made like you and me.

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God. —Hebrews 2:17

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15

Jesus is our sympathetic high priest.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. —Hebrews 1:1-2

There were two qualifications for being a priest.

First Qualification: Priests need to be appointed by God.

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.And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. —Hebrews 5: 1 & 4

Second Qualification: Priests need to offer sacrifices.

To offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. —Hebrews 5: 2-3

They offered sin sacrifices to show they’re in the same boat as everyone else.

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears. —Hebrews 5:7

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. —Hebrews 4:15

BIG IDEA: Jesus sympathizes with us in our suffering and walks with us through it.

Study Guide

NEAR

2020 has been one of the most challenging and disruptive years that many of us have ever experienced. Countless individuals and families are feeling discouraged, frustrated and down and out. If you’re weary and disenchanted, you likely need some specific truths and promises that will help encourage and reorient your current mindset. Through our next message series, NEAR, we will investigate and reflect on God’s heart for sinners and sufferers. Don’t miss this opportunity to be encouraged as well as to invite your family and friends to experience God’s heart for them.
Pastor Jay Haugh

Message 2: His Sympathy
Hebrews 4:15
Sunday, November 22, 2020

Do you believe Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses? What experiences so far in your life have helped shape this belief either toward or away from this view of Jesus?

We are not able to pursue others without the ability to feel with them. Jesus demonstrates this in His pursuit of us.
Who are the people near you that you have an easy time sympathizing with? Who are those around you that this is more difficult?

In what ways do you receive sympathy from other people well or how do others make you feel felt? What can you do to give sympathy to those around you where it is harder to feel with them?

Does knowing Jesus understands your pain, your struggles, and your hardships shift something for you? If so, what shifts and how does that impact your everyday life? What makes your day-to-day different knowing we have a God who is willing to co-suffer with you?

How would you help someone move from an intellectual understanding of Jesus as our sympathetic high priest to an understanding in their heart? What would be the impact of this in the life of another? How would someone know there has been a shift from intellectually knowing something to experiencing that knowledge?