GOD IS ABLE - 25. Sympathizing with weakness

~ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. -Hebrews 4:15

This "God is able" statement comes via a double negative. We can say that we do have a High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses! But now we need to understand who this High Priest is.

The idea of a high priest was full of meaning for the first readers of this New Testament passage. Among all the people of Israel, some were the priests; and among all the priests, one man would serve as the high priest. Only he could enter the holiest place of God's temple with special sacrifices. He represented the people before God, and he showed God's compassion to the people.

But in this New Testament letter to Israeli Christians, the writer calls Jesus "our great High Priest" (4:14). Right now in heaven He sympathizes with the weaknesses of every Christian. It's beautiful that He did not die on the cross, rise to life, return to heaven, and then forget all about us! As the High Priest, His work continues every day to help His followers through life.

As we saw yesterday, Jesus was tempted just as we are. Today's verse adds that He never sinned in those temptations. There was nothing in His perfect character that could even respond to the devil's temptations (see John 14:30). That's why He could be our Rescuer. If we are drowning, we don't need another drowning person next to us; we need someone on solid footing reaching out to help us.  That's the perfection of Jesus.

But the sympathy of Jesus means that He totally understands our weaknesses in temptation. He lived a human life. He felt sad, hungry, weary, lonely, and all the other experiences that make us feel weak and sorrowful. He came alongside us and wore our frailty, and now He remains sympathetically accessible in heaven.

That's why the very next verse says, "Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Our cry for His help will transport us to that heavenly throne of grace. On that throne sits Jesus the Lord, and He loves to give tender, timely mercy and grace. He knows how you feel, and He is able to help.