The writer of Hebrews is concerned that in ‘these last days’ (1:2) our hearts will harden just as the Israelites’ hearts did in their wilderness journey. A hard heart manifests itself in cynicism as well as indifference to God and others. Therefore we need encouragement from others and from Jesus, our High Priest, who learned obedience through suffering and is therefore able to empathize with our temptations. We can go to him, who sits on a throne of grace, for encouragement and comfort. He is our Wonderful Counselor.