When fear, illness or the loss of someone close arrives, the question returns: where is God then, and does he even understand what I am facing? This sermon turns to the letter to the Hebrews, where Jesus is described as a high priest tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4 and 5). It carries two striking stories of women, one from Africa, one from Germany, who found the one Mediator in the last places they expected. Listen if you are looking for something steadier than explanations nobody can really give you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- The author of Hebrews writes to Jewish Christians who were persecuted and tempted to return to their old practices. What in their situation made holding firmly to their confession so hard?
- How does the priesthood of Aaron's line, entering the Most Holy Place once a year with the blood of animals, differ from Jesus' priesthood in the order of Melchizedek?
- The sermon listed many things Jesus understands: hunger, betrayal, his own brothers' unbelief, weeping over Lazarus. Which of these experiences speaks to you most, and why?
- The speaker said that explaining tragedies brings no comfort, because what we need is truth and certainty. How does the question "why is this happening to me?" relate to trusting God in your life?
- In a temple in India, Ania stopped at the portrait of Jesus and later discovered that he is the only mediator. What does it mean to you that Jesus' sacrifice is enough and nothing needs to be added to it?
- Jesus gives us constant access to God, by day, in the evening and at night. What specific struggle do you want to bring boldly and confidently to the throne of grace this week?
