Topical Bible: the High Priest Christ: Sympathises With Those Who are Tempted

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Topical Encyclopedia

The role of the High Priest in the Old Testament was a sacred office, serving as a mediator between God and the people of Israel. This role finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as our great High Priest. One of the profound aspects of Christ's priesthood is His ability to sympathize with those who are tempted, offering believers both comfort and strength in their struggles.

Biblical Foundation

The Epistle to the Hebrews provides a comprehensive understanding of Christ's role as High Priest. Hebrews 4:15 states, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin." This verse highlights two critical aspects of Christ's priesthood: His empathy and His sinlessness.

Empathy Through Experience

Christ's ability to sympathize with human weakness is rooted in His incarnation. By taking on human flesh, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and temptations. The Gospels recount various instances where Jesus faced temptation, most notably during His forty days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Despite these temptations, He remained without sin, demonstrating His perfect obedience to the Father.

The Sinless High Priest

While Jesus was tempted in every way, His sinlessness sets Him apart from all other high priests. Hebrews 7:26 affirms, "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens." His sinless nature not only qualifies Him to be the perfect sacrifice for sin but also ensures that His empathy is not marred by personal failure.

Intercession and Advocacy

Christ's sympathy is not passive; it actively informs His intercessory work. Hebrews 7:25 declares, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." As our High Priest, Jesus continually intercedes on behalf of believers, providing them with the grace and strength needed to overcome temptation.

Encouragement for Believers

The knowledge that Christ sympathizes with our weaknesses offers profound encouragement to believers. Hebrews 4:16 invites us, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This assurance allows Christians to approach God boldly, knowing that their High Priest understands their struggles and is ready to provide the necessary support.

Practical Implications

Understanding Christ's sympathy has practical implications for the Christian life. It encourages believers to rely on His strength rather than their own, fostering a deeper dependence on His grace. It also serves as a model for how Christians should empathize with others, reflecting Christ's compassion in their interactions.

In summary, the High Priesthood of Christ is characterized by His profound ability to sympathize with those who are tempted. His empathy, rooted in His own experiences and sinlessness, provides believers with the confidence to approach God and find the grace needed to persevere in their faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 2:18
For in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 4:15
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Wounds of Jesus
... I am not an high priest that cannot be touched with ... hands, that he may show that
he sympathises with you ... Christ wears these wounds to show that suffering is an ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the wounds of jesus.htm

part i
... at the time of the exclamations of the priest and the ... in you, except ye be reprobates."
[64] Truly, Christ dwells in ... the right hand of God, the most High." [77 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm