Hebrews 4:14—5:10: Overcoming Weakness
The Pulitzer Prize-winning book City of Joy tells about the intense suffering of a Polish priest in a Calcutta slum. His superiors offered him a comfortable lodging, but he chose to live just like the slum-dwellers. By his suffering he learned what it was like to be a slum-dweller. He could not have learned that any other way. Likewise, the Hebrews needed to be reminded of their God-appointed, suffering high priest, Jesus Christ, so they would hold firmly to him.
Warming Up to God
What experiences have you had that have helped you to better understand another person?
Read Hebrews 4:14—5:10. »
Discovering the Word
- What commands are given in 4:14 and 16?
- What is there about the character of Jesus that encourages us to obey these commands?
- Jesus, as our merciful and faithful high priest, made atonement for our sins. The writer reminds the Hebrews of their earthly high priest in Judaism. What was the high priest like (5:1-4)?
- How would you compare Jesus' high appointment with the life he lived (5:7-8)?
- What was the result of Christ's suffering (5:8-10)?
Applying the Word
- When you are tempted, what difference does it make to know that Jesus was likewise tempted and therefore sympathizes with your weakness?
- How does Christ's suffering help you to take a positive attitude toward suffering?
Responding in Prayer
Pray that your life would reflect your high appointment as the adopted son or daughter of God.
For Further Study
The Message of Hebrews by Raymond Brown