The Epistles to the Hebrews

54  The Ep i s t l e to the Hebrews : Par t I

“For we do not have a high priest who is not able to feel our weaknesses with us.” Stated positively, He is able to feel what we feel. He is able to feel our weaknesses with us because He shared the situation in which we find ourselves. That explains why His high priestly ministry of intercession on our behalf is effective. . . . our high priest suffers together with the one who is being tested, and brings active help . When the lash is falling on you, He rushes in so that it falls upon Him as well. When you are treated with contempt, He experiences the humiliation that you feel. When you are bruised, He feels the pain. He is able to feel our weaknesses with us.

~ William L. Lane. Hebrews: A Call to Commitment. Peabody: Hendrickson Publishers, 1985. p. 75.

What is the character of Christ’s high priestly ministry before God on our behalf?

How does Christ’s ability to empathize with us guarantee the effectiveness of his ministry for us?

Why is suffering a component in the growth and development of any maturing disciple of Christ, and how do we help ourselves and others prepare for this inevitability?

I. Christ’s Perfect Identification with the Weariness, Suffering, and Defenselessness of the Church

A. The reason for our holding fast our confession in the midst of struggle and pain: Our high priest, Jesus the Son of God , has passed through the heavens.

B. Lane’s analysis: Hebrews 4.14-16 as commentary on 2.17-18 (pp. 74-75, Hebrews: A Call to Commitment )

1. Christ’s oneness with God’s people

2. Christ’s priestly compassion as exercised in God’s service