“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 4:14

Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Jesus, unlike Aaron and every other Old Testament high priest, who was himself subject to weakness and sin (Heb 5:2), was nevertheless tempted and tried in all points like we are. But the difference is, He never sinned!

You could of course object and say, well, if Jesus never sinned, would He be able to sympathize with us? Yes, because not only did He become a human being like us but, when Jesus was on earth, He received a thorough training on the job.

How? His Father brought His Son through every form of inexpressible human suffering, so much so that He even offered up prayers with vehement cries and tears (Heb 5:7-9). Weeping tears! Loud cries! Deep anguish! Jesus knows what suffering is; listen to Him in Gethsemane! Listen to Him at the cross! This horrible suffering perfectly suits Him to be the sympathetic and compassionate High Priest that we need, when we find ourselves in suffering, difficulties and trials.

Would you feel comfortable telling your sin, temptations, pain and troubles to someone who is aloof and looking down on you, and has no experience with it? Of course not! Jesus was tempted without sin. But He did experience the wrath of God over sin. So, He knows… He understands it better than any of us… He can sympathize like no one else! Therefore, come boldly to His throne of grace, and you will find help in your time of need, just at the right time!

Suggestions for prayer

There is a throne of grace! There is a wonderfully sympathetic High Priest! Come! Pour out your heart! Hold nothing back, sin, troubles, temptations. He can help and sympathize like no other!

Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.