Divine Empathy

God is not some disconnected, impersonal Being - a spectator from the Heavens of what is going on way down on earth. Jesus, God in flesh, lived a full life, able to identity with us in every aspect and stage of life; knowing by experience what we deal with on a daily basis.

Christ's empathy with us was displayed in His:

A. HUMAN UPBRINGING (v.9)

• Nazarene - according to the scripture. Reminder of the "branch"
• Born and raised in Nazareth
• He lived like any of us!

B. BAPTISM (v.9-11)

• Identified and validated John's ministry
• "...I am well-pleased" recognizes Jesus' deity

C. TEMPTATION (v.12-13)

• Led by God to be tempted
• God is not the author of evil James 1:13/Hab 1:13
• Jesus' Session - doctrine of intercession and mediation Heb 5:7-9

D. PROCLAMATION (v.14-15)

• The fulfillment of time
• The kingdom of God drawn near
• Repent and believe the Gospel

CONCLUSION: Jesus' sympathy and empathy with us allows him to consolation, security and intercession for us in all trails of life.