“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (HEB. 4:15).
1, 2. a) Why did Jehovah send his Son to Earth?
Jehovah sent his Son to earth primarily to free us from sin and death through the ransom and to undo the works of Satan. But the article highlights another very comforting objective: to prepare Jesus to be a compassionate high priest.
By living as an imperfect human, Jesus was able to experience the weariness, emotional pain, pressure, and temptations that we face. This allowed him to understand our weaknesses in a much deeper way.
Thus, when we approach Jehovah through Jesus today, we do not do so through someone distant, but through someone who perfectly understands what we feel and who wants to help us with true empathy.
1, 2. b) What will we analyze in this article? (Hebrews 5:7-9).
In this article, we analyze how everything Jesus experienced on Earth contributed to his being perfected for his role as high priest, as mentioned in Hebrews 5:7-9. It's not that Jesus was imperfect, but rather that his human experience fully equipped him to understand and help us.
We will see how his experiences, his sufferings, and his faithful obedience strengthened his compassion and empathy. Understanding this helps us to approach Jehovah with greater confidence, even when we feel discouraged by our mistakes or weaknesses. Knowing that Jesus understands our struggles gives us comfort and encourages us not to give up.
GOD'S MOST BELOVED SON COMES TO EARTH
3, 4. What changes did Jesus face when he came to Earth?
When Jesus came to Earth, he faced enormous changes. He went from a privileged position in heaven, where he was with his Father and surrounded by love, to a humble human life full of difficulties.
He was born into a poor family and, from a young age, had to flee for his life due to Herod's persecution. He even lived as a refugee in Egypt for a time. These changes were drastic and painful.
All of this allowed Jesus to understand what it means to face insecurity, loss, and fear. Thanks to these experiences, he was able to develop a deep empathy for human beings, something essential for his role as high priest.
5. What did Jesus see when he was on Earth, and how did that prepare him to be High Priest? (See also the picture.)
During his life on Earth, Jesus witnessed human suffering firsthand. He saw serious illness, disability, poverty, grief, and the loss of loved ones. He personally interacted with people rejected by society and felt deep compassion for them.
Although he was already familiar with human suffering from heaven, experiencing it as a man allowed him to understand it from a different perspective. He felt weariness, sadness, and anguish, just like us.
These experiences prepared him to be a high priest who truly understands our emotions and weaknesses. That's why he can help us today with genuine empathy, because he knows exactly what it means to live in an imperfect world.
ILLUSTRATION
Jesus is surrounded by people begging him to heal them. With great compassion, he approaches a very old sick man and takes him by the arms.
Jesus was attentive to people's feelings and it pained him deeply to see them suffer. (See paragraph 5).
JESUS TREATS PEOPLE WITH EMPATHY
6. What do the comparisons used by the prophet Isaiah teach us? (Isaiah 42:3).
Isaiah's comparisons teach us how Jesus would treat the weak and marginalized. Isaiah describes the oppressed as bruised reeds and smoldering wicks, images that reflect fragility and little value in human eyes.
However, the prophecy shows that Jesus would not break or extinguish them. This means that he would treat with tenderness those whom others despised. Jesus saw value where others did not.
For us, this teaching is very encouraging, because it assures us that Jesus does not reject us when we are weak or discouraged, but treats us with patience and love.
7, 8. How did Jesus fulfill Isaiah's prophecy?
Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy by showing compassion to the sick, the marginalized, and the despised. He healed lepers, the deaf, and the blind—people whom many considered punished by God.
In addition to healing, he restored their dignity and hope. Jesus was not swayed by the erroneous beliefs of his day, but treated each person with respect and love. In doing so, he showed that Jehovah does not view people as worthless or without value. This teaches us to imitate his example, treating those who are going through difficulties with empathy and avoiding judging others because of their circumstances.
9. How does Hebrews 4:15, 16 emphasize that Jesus is a compassionate High Priest?
Hebrews 4:15-16 emphasizes that Jesus can sympathize with our weaknesses because he himself was tested as a human being. The word "sympathize" implies feeling another's pain as one's own.
The Gospels show that Jesus did not act out of obligation, but out of genuine love. He touched a leper, took a deaf man aside to heal him privately, and defended a repentant woman.
All of this shows that he cared deeply for people. That is why we are invited to approach the throne of undeserved kindness with confidence. We know that Jesus does not reject us, but rather desires to help us precisely when we need him most.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
Hebrews 4:15-16 assures us that Jesus understands our weaknesses because he himself lived as a human being. He is not a distant high priest, but one who feels genuine empathy for us. Therefore, we can approach him with confidence, certain that we will receive help in due time.
WE IMITATE OUR HIGH PRIEST
10. What resources do we have to provide spiritual support to deaf and blind people? (See also the images.)
To help deaf and blind people spiritually, we have abundant spiritual food adapted to their needs. Jehovah’s organization produces publications in over 100 sign languages and in over 60 languages in braille. In addition, many videos include audio descriptions.
All of this demonstrates a deep desire to include everyone in the worship of Jehovah. Although we cannot cure diseases, we can help these people draw closer to Jehovah and Jesus. This effort reflects Christ’s compassionate spirit and reminds us that no one is less valuable in Jehovah’s eyes.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Brothers singing a Kingdom song at a sign language congregation meeting. 2. A blind sister reading the Bible in braille.
Our publications are available in more than 1,100 languages. Left: In more than 100 sign languages. Right: In more than 60 languages in braille. (See paragraph 10).
11. How does Jehovah’s organization follow Jesus’ example? (Acts 2:5-7, 33; see also the pictures.)
Jehovah’s organization follows Jesus’ example by striving to reach people of all cultures and languages. Just as at Pentecost, when the good news was heard in many languages, today publications are produced in over 1,100 languages. Spiritual food is even offered in languages with few speakers.
This demonstrates genuine love for people, regardless of their background. Thanks to this effort, thousands have been able to learn the truth and draw closer to Jehovah. This work clearly reflects Jesus’ compassion and concern for all people.
ILLUSTRATION
Image series: 1. An Indigenous woman from the Americas poses smiling with a Bible in her language in her arms. 2. A Romani woman and her daughter attend a meeting.
Left: In more than 160 indigenous languages of the Americas. Right: In more than 20 variants of the Romani (or Gypsy) language.
12. What else does Jehovah's organization do?
In addition to preaching the good news, Jehovah's organization coordinates relief efforts to help victims of natural disasters. Thousands of volunteers lovingly and generously participate to meet basic needs and provide emotional support.
Simple places of worship are also built and maintained, where people can learn about Jehovah in a safe and spiritual environment. All of this demonstrates that Christian compassion is not limited to words but translates into practical actions. Thus, the organization reflects the same care that Jesus showed for people when he was on earth.
OUR HIGH PRIEST HELPS EACH ONE OF US
13. What are some of the ways in which Jesus helps us?
Jesus helps us in many ways as an excellent shepherd. He strengthens us through the Holy Spirit, encourages us through the elders and our brothers and sisters, and makes sure we receive timely spiritual nourishment.
When we feel weak, guilty, or discouraged, he perfectly understands how we feel. Problems may make us feel like a broken reed, but Jesus doesn't abandon us; on the contrary, he sustains us and gives us strength to keep going. Knowing that he is attentive to our needs gives us comfort and helps us maintain hope.
14. What can we do to fight discouragement?
To combat discouragement, we should meditate on Jesus' role as high priest. Remembering why Jehovah sent him to earth helps us not to feel alone or misunderstood.
When we feel overwhelmed by our mistakes or weaknesses, we can approach Jesus with confidence, knowing that he is ready to help us “in his own time.”
Praying sincerely and accepting Jehovah’s spiritual help can give us renewed strength. Then, instead of giving up, we can press on with the assurance of having heavenly support.
15. What helped a brother return to the congregation?
The brother who had drifted away from the congregation was helped by the love, patience, and support of the elders and the congregation. Although he felt ashamed and discouraged, he was warmly and understandingly welcomed back. The brothers reminded him that Jehovah and Jesus wanted him to persevere.
This treatment reflected the love of the compassionate High Priest, who guides his followers to help the lost sheep. Thanks to that support, the brother was able to become spiritually stronger, return to the congregation, and help his family draw closer to Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENT
What helped the brother was the sincere love and patience of the elders and the congregation. He felt welcomed, supported, and encouraged not to give up, thus seeing the compassion of Jesus reflected back at him.
16. Why are we so grateful to have such a compassionate High Priest?
We are so grateful that Jesus not only helped people when he was on Earth, but continues to help us today. We know that he never abandons us and is always ready to strengthen us when we need it.
Furthermore, we have the hope that the new world will completely eliminate the effects of sin and imperfection. All of this is possible because of Jehovah’s love, who appointed his Son as high priest. This truth fills us with gratitude and motivates us to remain faithful, trusting fully in Jesus’ loving care.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How did everything Jesus experienced on Earth prepare him to be High Priest?
By experiencing human suffering, Jesus was able to deeply understand our weaknesses and develop genuine empathy.
How did Jesus fulfill the words of Isaiah 42:3?
He fulfilled those words by treating the weak and marginalized with love and dignity, restoring their hope and courage.
How does our High Priest help us today?
It helps us by strengthening us through the Holy Spirit, the congregation, and timely spiritual nourishment.
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