Bible Study - Hebrews 4
S – For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15-16 ESV
O – Our High Priest understands our weaknesses, our human pull toward sin, because he faced all of the same testings we do. He was tempted with all the essential aspects of sin, such as lust, greed, unforgiveness, and dishonesty. This makes him compassionate as our High Priest (5:2). • yet he did not sin: Jesus is unlike the earthly high priests, who had to make offerings for their own sins before they could make offerings for the people.
4:16 The verb translated let us come could be translated to indicate ongoing action: let us continually come. • As our compassionate High Priest, Jesus has opened the way for people to enter God’s presence boldly (see 6:19–20; 10:19–23), where we can obtain his mercy and grace to help us when we need it most.
New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Heb 4:15-16.
A – God sees you. God knows you. And in Jesus, God understands you, not from a distance but from firsthand experience.
You know what happens when someone says, “I’ve been there too.” Something clicks. A bond forms. You’re not alone anymore.
That’s what Jesus offers. He’s been there. Every temptation you face, he faced. Not just yours and mine, but every temptation anyone will ever face. From the first attempt to the very last, the enemy threw everything he had. And Jesus never gave in. Not once.
We can’t say that. At some point, we’ve all given in. Even our victories are often partial.
So when you come to him in your weakness, he doesn’t shake his head. He says, “I know that one. I beat it.” Then he offers you the mercy you need for your failure and the grace you need to win the next round.
That’s why we don’t hide from him. We draw near. With confidence. And we keep coming back, again and again, because the throne we approach is a throne of grace.
What temptation do you need to bring to him today?
R – Lord Jesus, you are our High Priest. Thank you for your character and integrity that held firm against every temptation this world could throw at you. Your victory is our victory. Because of you, we live in freedom instead of shackles. Today we come boldly to your throne of grace. We ask for your mercy where we’ve failed and your grace for the moments we’ll be tempted. Fill us with your strength to say no to sin and yes to you. Amen.
