The Gentle Priest

Joe Parker | Mar 3, 2024

Hebrews 4:14-5:10 (ESV)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 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.

5:1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

6 as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,

after the order of Melchizedek.”

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus[a] offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Sermon Summary

Many of us wake up each morning weighed down by the stress of life’s difficulties, pains, miseries, and so on. The world is constantly looking for solutions, but so far every man-made effort has failed–something, someone, better is needed.

Jesus met every qualification to be that better solution. As the Son of God he was not qualified, he could not do it. He needed to become a human being, with limitations, who suffered and endured weakness, just as we do. And because of this, he understands us. He tenderly and gently comforts us. No matter what we’ve said, thought, or done, when we turn from our sin and turn to him in faith he accepts us with open arms, rejoicing and celebrating our adoption as his children as our Gentle High Priest.

Discussion Questions

What stood out or stuck with you from the sermon?
Why do you think we should care about Jesus as our high priest?
How does Jesus being able to sympathize with you encourage you, or does it (if not, why not)?
How does Jesus needing to be human, with limitations (versus being a Spirit with no limitations), to be our priest, help you turn to him in faith, and even relate to him more?
How has Jesus been gentle with you; where have you experienced his passion for you – why is this important to your faith?
If you’ve not yet turned to Jesus, what about Jesus as a Gentle High Priest draws you closer, or keeps you still skeptical?
If you do know Jesus, and assuming this truly is good news, how can you use this concept if Jesus as our Gentle high priest help you have confidence to share of God’s amazing grace and love for your non-believing friends?

Resources Consulted

Allberry, Sam. What God Has to Say about Our Bodies: How the Gospel Is Good News for Our Physical Selves. Crossway. 2021.
Brooks, David. How to Know a Person. Random House LLC, New York. 2023.
Lister, Rob. God is Impassible and Impassioned: Toward a Theology of Divine Emotion. Crossway. 2013.
Murray, John. Redemption Accomplished and Applied. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1955.
Ortlund, Dane. Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. Crossway. 2020.
Word Biblical Commentary: Hebrews 1-8, Vol 47A. William L. Lane. Zondervan Academic. 1991.
A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes. Eerdmans Publishing Co. 1977.
The Expositors Bible Commentary (Revised Ed): Hebrews-Revelation. Tremper Longman III and David E. Garland, general editors. Zondervan Academic. 2006.