I am learning so much about Jesus, and it thrills me. I want to share this with others, because I see that Jesus is exactly who we need. Perhaps it’s like the opposite with doctors – sometimes you need a general practicioner, and sometimes an cardiologist and sometimes a chiropractor and sometimes a dentist. But we just need Jesus!
We will keep going in Hebrews in this blog, picking up where we last left off. So, while our focus is going to be on Hebrews 5:2, I want to include the verses from last blog – 4:14-16. So, here are all the verses – 4:14-5:2:
4:14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5:1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
5:2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness;
There is a connection between 4:15 and 5:2. For one, both mention weakness. But while it doesn’t come out in English, the word ‘sympathize’ in 4:15 is very similar to ‘deal gently’ in 5:2. So, as Jesus is able to sympathize with you in your weakness, He is also able to deal gently with you in your weakness. It’s not like some weaknesses He is gentle, and others He is harsh. No! He is gentle with every single one of your weaknesses!
It says in 5:2 that Jesus deals gently with the ignorant and misguided. The ignorant are those who do not know that what they are doing is wrong. These would be accidental sins. But, the misguided are the opposite. They know what they are doing is wrong, but they still do it anyway. These are rebellious, deliberate sins. But for both, Jesus deals gently. The point being made is for every sin and every sinner, Jesus is able to deal gently!
The last part of 5:2 mentions that the high priest has weakness, and this would include Jesus. For Jesus, the weakness isn’t sin, or pain like it is for us. Jesus went through the full human experience, which included weaknesses. So, Jesus was tempted, hungry, tired, thirsty, betrayed, loved, hated; all that we face in life, He also faced. And so He deals gently with you!
For us as Christians, nothing we have ever done, are doing, or will do will ever cause Jesus to deal harshly with us. He cannot, for His heart (or His core character) is gentle, gracious, loving. All those who come to Jesus will find Him to deal gently with them; all those who reject Jesus will find Him to deal harshly with them.
So what part of this was impactful for you? For me, it’s that because I know more of Jesus’ character, I can trust Him with more of myself. I can be real with Him; I can be more open, honest, and vulnerable with Him about my sins, my weaknesses. Jesus will never get shocked, disgusted, or walk away from me.