1) He revealed the true character of God and this plan to rescue us.

2) He accomplished that rescue by cleansing us from sin through his death.

3) He united us to himself as joint heirs of his glory.

4) He destroyed Satan's power over us by cancelling death.

Main Idea: God became flesh to help us as our sympathetic High Priest.

I. What we were: We were helpless in the face of all kinds of trials (sorrows, conflicts, and temptations).

- Isaiah 41:8, 10, 13

- Psalm 121:1-2; 124:2-3; 127:1

II. Who he is: Jesus is the One True God who knows and cares about his people.

- Jeremiah 2:12-13

- John 4:10, 13-14

- Colossians 2:9

III. How his incarnation changes everything: In Jesus we have a mediator who gives us access to the throne of grace and a brother who sympathizes with us in everything.

1. How do I know I am his?

2. What kind of help will he give me?

3. How do I take hold of his help?

- Hebrews 4:14-16

- Isaiah 53:3-5

- Hebrews 12:3-11

Suggested Psalm: 121

Questions to Consider:

- What are your present sorrows? Conflicts? Temptations? Do you believe that Jesus has felt the impacts of all these things personally?

- How does Jesus' sympathy for your human weakness change your thinking about coming to him for help?

- How have you experienced the gracious help of God in your life? Whom can you encourage with your testimony to help them draw near?