he sympathizes

Friday, March 6, 2009

Deut. 10:12-22; Heb. 4:11-16; John 3:22-36

Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.

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 4:11,15-16)


We do all "fall" through disobedience of one sort or another, most of all by not loving one another as he has loved us. And therefore we fall short of that rest... and of his glory.

But we have a high priest who stands before God on our behalf, who represents us to God, indeed intercedes for us and moreso, who is our mediator. And, as our high priest, who represents God to us, perfectly as a beloved and well-pleasing Son.

He can sympathize with our weaknesses for he has been tempted in every way as we are. Of course, not necessarily the specifics of a certain temptation to sin, but the heart of the matter, the core issue at stake in any given temptation. He sympathizes. That's "sumpatheo" in Greek. He literally "suffers with" us, he completely understands. This is amazing. He has been here, and he was faithful - for us and for our salvation.

I have posted the Ash Wednesday Litany of Penitence below. As I review these various sin patterns that we own before God, I can remember that Jesus is actually tender-hearted toward me as I plead for mercy and seek grace to help me. He has been here, and he is with me.

I think "weaknesses" here may refer to more than our evil inclination (the "old man," the flesh or body of death that clings so closely); it may actually refer to our actual failings, the actual evidence of weakness, not just the state of weakness we all carry.

All this is to say, again, that this is amazing. As sinners, as disobedient people - people who do look to Jesus, who have set their hearts after God, to truly rest in him, who confess Jesus - we are exhorted to be confident in him, to come boldly before the "throne of grace." The throne of grace - not condemnation, not judgment, not of God's longsuffering with our junk... the throne of grace of one who sympathizes with our weakness.

Finally, we must note where the mercy and grace and encouragement is found.

It is drawing near to Jesus, our high priest on the throne of grace who has been tempted in every way as we are but who did not sin...

It is in confidence and boldness pleading his mercy, and seeking his grace as our only option to make it.

It is in him increasing and us decreasing (John 3:30).

It is in the circumcision of our hearts (Deut. 10:16).

It is in prayer.

It is in renewing our repentance and faith.


Accomplish in us the work of your salvation,
That we may show forth your glory in the world.

By the cross and passion of your Son our Lord,
Bring us with all your saints to the joy of his resurrection.