What is something good that happened to you this week? 

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, (sympathizes with 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.

What was the point of the high priest? What does the high priest do? 

What is a time you felt misunderstood? How did it make you feel?

The list below is a small sampling of what Jesus went through. On which one or two of these can you relate to Jesus?

He was homeless (Matt. 8.20)

His family thought he was crazy (Matt. 12.46; Mk. 3.21; Jn. 7.5)

His best friends turned their back on him (Matt. 26.56)

One of his closest confidants sold him to be killed for pocket change (Matt. 26.46-50)

He stood face to face with the devil and endured all of his demonic tricks (Luke 4.1-13)

He dealt with death (Jn. 11.1-45)

He endured gossip and slander (Matt. 12.24; Jn. 8.52)

He endured suffering for righteousness’ sake (Jn. 15.20)

He was shamed publicly (Mk. 14.65)

He endured periods of hunger (Mk. 11.12ff)

He received criticism of his ministry (Jn. 5; Matt. 12)

His theology was mocked (pick a verse!!)

His message was rejected (pick a verse!!)

His preaching was critiqued (Luke 4 & pick a verse!!)

His disciples didn’t “get it” (again..)

(From ttps://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/erik-raymond/jesus-is-able-to-sympathize/)

How can Jesus relate to us if He didn’t sin?  

Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

 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.

What is the throne of God? What would keep you from coming boldly to the throne of God? 

 Do you think God is approachable? How do you interact with God?

Experience Jesus in your weakness.

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (NLT)

Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

How do I experience Jesus in weakness?

Admit it’s okay not to be okay.

Stop living in your strength. 

Look for Jesus.

Let Jesus work through you.

How have you experienced Jesus in your weakness?