3 Day Bible Reading Plan - “Empathy in Friendship”
Suffer then speak. These three words, when embraced and practiced, have the power to breathe life into struggling relationships and pave the way for new friendships to flourish. They provide a roadmap for navigating the treacherous terrain of human interaction, helping us avoid the dark valley of insensitivity and indifference. At the heart of this principle lies empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Empathy is not merely feeling sorry for someone; it is about stepping into their shoes, seeing the world through their eyes, and experiencing their pain as if it were your own. It is crucial for any friendship to flourish. - Pastor Paul Crandell, 10/5/25
Day 1
Featured Verse: Hebrews 4:14 - “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”
What is the significance of the call to "hold fast our confession" in light of Jesus’ priesthood, and how might this encourage believers in times of doubt or trial?
How does the imagery of Jesus "passing through the heavens" deepen our understanding of His divine authority and access to God’s presence?
In what ways does Jesus’ role as high priest invite believers to approach God with confidence, and what implications does this have for personal faith and worship?
Pause and Reflect: How can you actively rely on Jesus as your great high priest to approach God with boldness in your daily prayers and struggles?
“He is our High Priest, who hath entered the heavens, not with the blood of goats or calves, but with His own blood, once for all; let us therefore cleave to our confession of Him, who is the mediator between God and man.” - Augustine of Hippo
Day 2
Featured Verse: Hebrews 4:15 - “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
How does Jesus’ ability to sympathize with our weaknesses deepen our understanding of His humanity and its role in His high priestly ministry?
In what ways does Jesus’ sinlessness, despite being tempted, distinguish His priesthood from that of the Old Testament priests and enhance His intercessory role?
How does the assurance of Jesus’ sympathy for our weaknesses encourage believers to approach God with confidence in times of personal struggle or failure?
Pause and Reflect: How can you draw strength from Jesus’ sympathy for your weaknesses to persevere in faith when facing personal trials or moral challenges?
“Jesus was tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. He knows the heart of temptation; He has felt the weariness of human frailty, the weight of sorrow, the pang of rejection, yet never once did He swerve from perfect obedience to His Father’s will.” - Charles Spurgeon
Day 3
Featured Verse: Hebrews 4:16 - “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
In what ways can you reflect the mercy and grace you receive from God’s throne when helping friends navigate their struggles or temptations?
How might the assurance of finding grace "in time of need" encourage you to be a reliable source of encouragement and prayer for friends facing personal challenges?
In light of receiving mercy and grace through Christ’s priesthood, how can you actively intercede for your friends through prayer or practical help, emulating Jesus’ role as an intercessor at the throne of grace?
Pause and Reflect: How can you show a friend the same kindness and support Jesus offers you at the throne of grace when they’re going through a tough time?
“The throne of grace is a throne because God is a king, but it is a throne of grace because Jesus, our merciful High Priest, sits there. We come not with fear, as to a judge, but with boldness, as to a Father who pities His children. The invitation to come boldly implies that we have access at all times, for the throne of grace is never vacant, and our High Priest ever lives to intercede.” - Alexander Maclaren