Pearls of the Word

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The sympathy of Jesus Christ

by Jean-Louis Coraboeuf

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize [nabal] with our weaknesses, but we have one who, in every respect, has been tested as we are, although He was without sin" (Hebrew 4:15).

According to the dictionary, sympathy is the part we take in the sorrows and joys of others; by its etymology, the Greek word sumpathéo means to empathize, to experience the same feelings, to be affected in the same way. This word comes from pathos which is a physical or moral affection. Our High Priest, Jesus Christ, therefore, has compassion on our weaknesses.

Although the Son of God, Jesus came into the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7), and had to learn obedience through the sufferings He endured (Hebrew 5:7-8). Being the Head, He sympathizes with all members of His Body and can help us in all things.