Hebrews 4:12-16
Food for Thought
Who would you say knows you best?
What makes you think that?
How is your relationship with them different from others?
Does it make it easier for you to open up about things, ask for help, be yourself, etc.?
Now think about your relationship with the Lord. Does the fact that he knows everything about you make it easier for you to go to him or harder?
Why is that?
Has that changed (for better or worse!) over time?
With the whole passage in mind, why do you think God wants to expose your thoughts and intentions?
What good can come from that?
What bad are you afraid can come from that?
In what ways is Jesus not like us, and in what ways is he like us?
Is it hard for you to believe that he was tempted like you? Or that he can sympathize with your weaknesses? Why [not]?
Why are those two things important for us to know, though?
Who do you find it hard to sympathize with?
How does Jesus willingness to sympathize with us shape our willingness to sympathize with them?
When you think about approaching Jesus on his throne, what’s the face / voice / reaction you imagine he has to seeing you? Why?
What does this text suggest instead?
If you know how cautious priests in the Old Testament were when it came to entering the holy places of the template, how do you think the command to boldly approach the throne of grace sounded to Jewish Christians?
Do you think Jesus is hoping you don’t bother him or ready and waiting for you to come to him for help?
There’s a lot of “community” implications here (“let us” and “we” and “our”). What are some of the things we get to do together?
What are some natural ways you can incorporate God’s Word and in-person prayer into your relationships with friends?
What are some good questions you’ve been asked (or you use!) that are good for understanding people?
How else can we care for one another in an understanding way?