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Study 03 of 19

Christ, Our Sympathetic High Priest

The sinless Saviour understands weakness and gives timely help.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

In chapter 3, Sequeira examines christ, our sympathetic high priest within the larger question of Christ’s humanity and the everlasting gospel. Sharing our humanity equips Him to represent us as a merciful and faithful High Priest. He understands the struggle and offers help rather than indifferent condemnation. No. Hebrews affirms real temptation and also His complete sinlessness. Their High Priest is both compassionate and able to supply mercy and grace. The study invites the reader to test the author’s argument with Scripture and apply it without losing either Christ’s sinlessness or the priority of grace.

Key points

  • Sharing our humanity equips Him to represent us as a merciful and faithful High Priest.
  • He understands the struggle and offers help rather than indifferent condemnation.
  • No. Hebrews affirms real temptation and also His complete sinlessness.
  • Their High Priest is both compassionate and able to supply mercy and grace.
  • It revealed the reality of His obedient human experience and His fitness to help sufferers.
  • He ministers the benefits of the redemption He accomplished, not a replacement gospel.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 2:14–18
  • Hebrews 4:14–16
  • Hebrews 5:7–9

Chapter reading

Chapter 3 · Read this chapter

    Put it into practice

    • Read chapter 3 before answering and compare the argument with Hebrews 2:14–18.
    • Write your own explanation before revealing the model answer.
    • Discuss one practical implication with your study group and pray for a Christ-centered response.
    1. Comprehension

      1. Why does Hebrews connect incarnation with Christ’s priesthood?

    2. Doctrinal Clarity

      2. What does Christ’s sympathy mean for a tempted believer?

    3. Contrast

      3. Does temptation imply that Christ committed sin?

    4. Comprehension

      4. Why can believers approach the throne of grace confidently?

    5. Doctrinal Clarity

      5. What did suffering contribute to Christ’s earthly mission?

    6. Application

      6. How does Christ’s heavenly ministry relate to His earthly work?

    7. Scripture

      7. Read Hebrews 2:14–18. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on christ, our sympathetic high priest? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    8. Scripture

      8. Read Hebrews 4:14–16. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on christ, our sympathetic high priest? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    9. Scripture

      9. Read Hebrews 5:7–9. What does this passage contribute to the chapter’s teaching on christ, our sympathetic high priest? Cite a specific phrase and explain its context.

    10. Application

      10. How would you explain this truth to a discouraged church member: Sharing our humanity equips Him to represent us as a merciful and faithful High Priest.?

    11. Application

      11. What mistaken conclusion should you avoid when applying this chapter’s teaching: It revealed the reality of His obedient human experience and His fitness to help sufferers.?

    12. Application

      12. Name one change in your prayer, Bible study, or ministry that follows from this principle: He ministers the benefits of the redemption He accomplished, not a replacement gospel.