Jesus: Our Empathetic High Priest and Advocate
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that Jesus is our perfect High Priest—one who not only intercedes for us but also fully understands our weaknesses, struggles, and humanity. We celebrated the incredible work God is doing among our youth and the importance of honoring those who lead and serve us, recognizing that every day is a gift and an opportunity to express gratitude. As we opened the Scriptures in Luke 22 and Hebrews 4, we saw Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the weight of suffering, yet choosing obedience to the Father’s will. This moment, and the subsequent teaching in Hebrews, reveals that Jesus is not distant or detached from our pain; He entered into it, learned obedience through suffering, and now stands as our advocate before God.
The journey through Hebrews reminded us that the old covenant, with its rituals and priesthood, was a foreshadowing of the greater reality found in Christ. The law was never meant to be the end, but a tutor leading us to our need for a Savior. Jesus fulfills every requirement of the High Priest—not by human descent, but by divine appointment, as prophesied in the Psalms and demonstrated in His life, death, and resurrection. Unlike earthly priests, Jesus needed no sacrifice for Himself; He was sinless, yet He suffered, so He could empathize with us in every way.
We explored the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, a priest without genealogy, who prefigured Christ’s eternal priesthood. This shows that Jesus’ priesthood is not limited by human lineage but established by God’s decree. Because of this, we are invited to approach God boldly, receiving mercy and grace in our time of need. Our response is to live as a royal priesthood—offering our bodies, our love, our resources, and our praise as spiritual sacrifices. The enemy’s greatest desire is to rob us of our worship and identity, but when we know who we are in Christ, we walk in victory, not condemnation.
Ultimately, the call is to discover Jesus afresh, to let His finished work define our identity, and to live out our priestly calling with confidence, gratitude, and boldness. In Christ, we are perfected positionally, even as we are being sanctified daily. Let us press on, knowing that our High Priest is both our example and our advocate, and that in Him, we have everything we need for life and godliness.
Key Takeaways
- Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest: Jesus is not a distant Savior; He entered fully into our humanity, experiencing suffering, temptation, and even anguish, so He could truly empathize with our weaknesses. His obedience was not just a demonstration of divinity, but a deep identification with our struggles, making Him the perfect advocate who understands every trial we face. This means we never approach God alone or misunderstood—He knows, He cares, and He intercedes for us with compassion. [06:33]
- The Law as a Tutor, Christ as Fulfillment: The law was never meant to be a burden we could bear perfectly, but a mirror to reveal our need for grace. Its purpose was to lead us to Christ, who alone could fulfill its demands and offer true forgiveness. When we understand this, we stop striving for acceptance through our own efforts and rest in the sufficiency of Jesus’ finished work, allowing His Spirit to write God’s law on our hearts. [18:23]
- Divine Appointment and the Order of Melchizedek: Jesus’ priesthood is not based on human lineage or tradition, but on God’s sovereign declaration. Like Melchizedek, who appeared without genealogy, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, established by God’s word and confirmed by His resurrection. This assures us that our access to God is secure, not because of our background or performance, but because of Christ’s unshakable position as our High Priest. [28:37]
- Our Calling as a Royal Priesthood: In Christ, we are not just forgiven; we are called to be priests—offering our lives as living sacrifices, loving others, giving generously, and offering continual praise. This priestly identity is not passive; it’s a daily, intentional surrender of our bodies, minds, and resources to God’s purposes. As we embrace this calling, we become conduits of God’s presence and blessing in a world desperate for hope. [46:17]
- Victory Over Condemnation and the Enemy’s Lies: The enemy’s primary strategy is to distort our identity and rob us of our worship, often by sowing seeds of condemnation, doubt, or distraction. But in Christ, there is no condemnation—only grace, restoration, and the power to overcome. When we remember who we are and whose we are, we silence the enemy’s accusations and walk in the freedom and authority Jesus purchased for us. [49:24]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:05] - Honoring Leaders and the Power of Appreciation
[03:32] - Bible Confession and Scripture Reading
[05:20] - Jesus, Our High Priest: Before and After the Resurrection
[06:33] - The High Priest Who Understands Our Weakness
[09:07] - The Significance of a Perfect High Priest
[11:23] - The Old Covenant and the Fulfillment in Christ
[14:07] - The Sabbath: From Day to Place in Christ
[15:42] - Hybrid Faith and the Call to Full Surrender
[17:02] - The Law, Sin, and the Need for a Savior
[19:55] - The New Covenant Written on Our Hearts
[22:01] - The Qualifications of a High Priest
[23:16] - The Levitical Priesthood and the Day of Atonement
[25:51] - Jesus’ Willing Sacrifice and Divine Appointment
[28:37] - The Order of Melchizedek Explained
[31:46] - Abraham, Tithing, and the Prototype of Christ
[34:23] - The Necessity of Human Suffering for the High Priest
[35:16] - Jesus’ Agony in Gethsemane
[39:27] - The Prophetic Suffering of Christ
[41:54] - Intimacy with God and the Fight of Faith
[43:19] - Obedience, Seeds, and Spiritual Warfare
[45:23] - Our Priesthood and Spiritual Sacrifices
[47:17] - Living Sacrifices: Love, Giving, and Praise
[49:24] - The Enemy’s Attack on Worship and Identity
[51:28] - Walking in Victory and Discovering Jesus
[54:29] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
---
### Bible Reading
- Luke 22:39-46 (Jesus prays in Gethsemane)
- Hebrews 4:14-16 (Jesus our Great High Priest)
- 1 Peter 2:5,9 (Believers as a royal priesthood)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 22, what emotions and struggles do we see Jesus experiencing in the Garden of Gethsemane? How does He respond to them?
2. According to Hebrews 4:15, what makes Jesus different from other high priests?
3. What does Hebrews 4:16 say we are invited to do because of Jesus’ role as our High Priest?
4. In 1 Peter 2:5,9, what new identity is given to believers, and what are we called to do as a result?
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says Jesus “fully understands our weaknesses, struggles, and humanity.” Why is it important that Jesus experienced suffering and temptation Himself? How does this change the way we approach Him? [[06:33]]
2. The law is described as a “tutor” that leads us to Christ. What does it mean to stop striving for acceptance and rest in Jesus’ finished work? [[18:23]]
3. The sermon talks about Melchizedek as a priest “without genealogy.” Why does it matter that Jesus’ priesthood is based on God’s appointment and not human lineage? [[28:37]]
4. The message says the enemy’s greatest desire is to “rob us of our worship and identity.” What are some ways this happens, and how does knowing our identity in Christ help us resist? [[49:24]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Jesus is described as our empathetic High Priest who understands every trial we face. Is there a specific struggle or weakness you’re facing right now that you need to bring to Him? What would it look like to approach God “boldly” with it this week? [[06:33]]
2. The sermon challenges us to stop striving for acceptance and rest in Jesus’ finished work. Are there areas in your life where you’re still trying to “earn” God’s approval? What would it look like to let go and trust in His grace? [[18:23]]
3. We are called a “royal priesthood” and invited to offer our bodies, love, resources, and praise as spiritual sacrifices. Which of these areas comes most naturally to you, and which is most challenging? What is one practical step you can take this week to live out your priestly calling? [[46:17]]
4. The sermon says the enemy tries to distort our identity and sow condemnation, doubt, or distraction. Can you identify a lie or accusation you’ve believed about yourself? How can you replace it with the truth of who you are in Christ? [[49:24]]
5. The message encourages us to honor those who lead and serve us, recognizing every day as a gift. Who is someone in your life you can intentionally honor or thank this week? How will you do it? [[01:05]]
6. Jesus learned obedience through suffering. Think of a recent hardship or disappointment. How might God be using it to grow your obedience or empathy for others? [[36:56]]
7. The sermon ends with a call to “discover Jesus afresh.” What is one way you can intentionally pursue knowing Jesus better this month—through reading the Gospels, prayer, or another practice? [[51:28]]
---
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest Understands Our Weaknesses
Jesus is not a distant or detached Savior; He is our perfect High Priest who fully understands every weakness, struggle, and temptation we face because He Himself experienced them all, yet without sin. He invites us to come boldly to His throne, not with fear or shame, but with confidence that we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. No matter what you are facing today, you are not alone—Jesus is interceding for you, and He knows exactly how to strengthen and sustain you. [06:33]
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
"So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Reflection: What is one area of weakness or struggle you are facing right now? Will you bring it honestly to Jesus today, trusting that He understands and will meet you with mercy and grace?
Day 2: Obedience Through Suffering—Jesus Shows Us the Way
Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He learned obedience through the things He suffered, showing us that suffering is not meaningless but can be a pathway to deeper trust and surrender to God. His willingness to endure agony in the Garden of Gethsemane and to submit to the Father’s will, even when it meant great pain, reveals that true obedience often requires sacrifice and faith in God’s greater purpose. When you face trials or suffering, remember that Jesus has walked this road before you and empowers you to follow Him in obedience, no matter the cost. [43:19]
Hebrews 5:7-9 (NLT)
"While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him."
Reflection: Where is God calling you to obey Him today, even if it is difficult or costly? How can you follow Jesus’ example of surrender in that area?
Day 3: Jesus Is the Fulfillment—Not Just Another Teacher or Prophet
Jesus is not merely another religious leader or prophet; He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, the One to whom all Scripture points, and the only One who can truly deal with sin and bring us into God’s presence. Unlike the old covenant, which relied on repeated sacrifices and rituals, Jesus’ sacrifice is once for all, and He alone is sufficient for our salvation. Let your heart rest in the truth that you do not need to strive or mix old practices with new faith—Jesus is enough, and He invites you to find your rest and identity in Him alone. [17:02]
Matthew 17:1-5 (NLT)
"Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and began talking with Jesus. Peter exclaimed, 'Lord, it’s wonderful for us to be here! If you want, I’ll make three shelters as memorials—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' But even as he spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy. Listen to him.'"
Reflection: Are there any old habits, beliefs, or practices you are tempted to mix with your faith in Jesus? What would it look like to fully trust in Christ’s sufficiency today?
Day 4: You Are a Holy Priest—Called to Offer Spiritual Sacrifices
Through Jesus, you have been made a holy priest, called to offer spiritual sacrifices that please God—not just with rituals, but with your whole life. This means presenting your body, your love, your resources, and your praise to God each day, allowing Him to use you for His purposes. Even when it is difficult, you can choose to love, forgive, and serve others, knowing that your life is a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God because of Jesus. [46:17]
1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)
"And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."
Reflection: In what practical way can you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to God today—whether through your actions, words, or attitude?
Day 5: Know Who You Are in Christ—Walk in Victory Over the Enemy’s Lies
When you know who you are in Christ—redeemed, righteous, and dearly loved—you can stand firm against the enemy’s lies and walk in the freedom and victory Jesus has won for you. The enemy will try to sow seeds of doubt, condemnation, and defeat, but God’s Word declares that you are a new creation, perfected in Christ even as you are being sanctified. Refuse to go back to old patterns or believe the lie that you cannot overcome; instead, press forward in your true identity as a child of God, empowered by His Spirit. [51:28]
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death."
Reflection: What lie or accusation from the enemy do you need to reject today? How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ and walk in that truth?
Quotes
This high priest of ours understands our weaknesses. Praise the Lord. I know I'm not the only one in here that has gotten weak sometimes. He understands our weaknesses. He understands our struggles. He understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly, let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy and we will find grace to help it, to help us when we need it most. [00:06:02] (49 seconds)
I know that you've given your life to Christ. And maybe some of you did last week during this Easter season. And you are on your way in this journey. And maybe you've hit some roadblocks along the way. I came to encourage you that there's somebody praying for you. I came to encourage you that there's somebody that can identify with all of your weaknesses and all of your struggles. And you don't have to look very far because the Bible says greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. Did I come to talk to somebody? Sometimes you don't even know what to say. You don't even know how to pray. But thank God my spirit bears witness with his spirit that I am a child of God. [00:09:43] (39 seconds)
But then Jesus Christ came, fulfilling the law and prophets, conquering sin, shattering all barriers to God, and freely providing eternal life. Now I understand, people of God, why Jesus took Peter, James, and John on the mountain to be transfigured before them. [00:12:20] (23 seconds)
It takes time to get over generational curses and mindsets that have been prevalent throughout the members of your family. But thanks be to God, he tears them all down in the name of Jesus and he can use you to be a conduit of a generational blessing where there was a generational curse. [00:15:04] (19 seconds)
So I was thinking to myself, God, how in the world can we be pleasing unto you? But then as I read the book of Galatians, I came to an understanding that the law was my tutor. The law was my schoolmaster to lead me to Christ. I wouldn't understand my need for him and the reason why I need to repent if I didn't understand what sin was. Because the Bible says the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus. Am I talking to somebody today? [00:17:56] (28 seconds)
See, when the old covenant was established, it was written on stone tablets. But when God prophesied about this new covenant, he said, I'm going to take my laws that are written on stone tablets, and I'm going to write them on the tablets of your heart. And how I'm going to accomplish this is through the power of the Holy Spirit. So now when you live your life as a Christian, that's why you have that check in your spirit when you're about to do something that's contrary to his will. It's positive proof that you are his son, that you are his daughter. [00:20:06] (31 seconds)
And that's positive proof that he loves you. And he has a plan and a destination for you to arrive at. So don't despise his correction. He disciplines those in whom he loves. And I've learned to appreciate the conviction of the Holy Spirit. And you got to be careful because condemnation tries to come sometimes with conviction. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit, but condemnation is from the devil. But see, you got to remind the devil in Romans 8 .1, it says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Even the Bible says in Proverbs, a just man may fall seven times, but he rises back up again. But the enemy will come to you when you fall. And maybe some of you fail this week and he'll come to you. You might as well not even go to church. You might as well stop reading your Bible. You might as well stop trying to be a godly husband, a godly wife, a godly parent. The devil is a liar. Get behind me saying, I may have made a mistake, but I'm getting back up and I'm pressing forward towards the mark of the high calling. [00:20:59] (60 seconds)
He saw what he was about to face. He saw the ridicule and the pain. See, this is what gets me so hyped up about God and just want to brag on Jesus and give him my life because they slapped him in the face with the hand that he created. They beat him with their fist, with the very fist that he created. They literally put a crown of thorns on his head. They ran a cat of nine tails across his back and they crucified him and he knew all of it was going to happen before it came. [00:39:57] (30 seconds)
See, it's this kind of stuff that will get you up early in the morning and want to worship God. See, it's this kind of stuff that makes you want to live right, that makes you want to serve God and to lay aside every sin and weight that so easily beset you. Because if you were willing to go through that, how can I treat you like this when you've been too good to me? See, that's what changed my heart because it was a process in me becoming more like Christ and there were a lot of struggles that I had to work through. But what broke the camel's back in my life is, God, you are too good for me to continue acting the way I'm acting. [00:40:57] (35 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?