“For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 NET).
While the thought of studying Biblical doctrine may seem daunting, there is a practical benefit to doing so. For instance, this passage should prompt us to consider an important aspect of Jesus’ life: His divine nature and His human nature. Scholars refer to this doctrine as the hypostatic union, and it helps clear up certain misconceptions regarding the Person and work of Christ.
The word “hypostatic” is derived from the word hupostasis in the original language of the New Testament. (1) This word appeared earlier in Hebrews 1:3 where we are told that Jesus is “the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (ESV). Other Biblical translations of Hebrews 1:3 render the word “nature” as essence (NET), substance (ASV) or being (GW).
Thus, we can say that Jesus is one Person with two natures, one fully divine and one fully human. The hypostatic union offers a quick way to describe the unification of these natures into one Person: Jesus, the God-man.
Since Hebrews chapter one addressed Jesus’ divine nature at length, this portion of Scripture provides us with an opportunity to examine Jesus’ human nature. Consider the following characteristics that demonstrate Jesus’ capacity to sympathize with us in our weaknesses…
- Jesus became physically fatigued: “…Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well” (John 4:6).
- Jesus experienced physical hunger: “being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry” (Luke 4:2).
- Jesus knows what it feels like to become thirsty: “After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, ‘I thirst!” (John 19:28 see also John 4:7).
- Jesus experienced deep emotional pain and sorrow: Jesus expressed His emotional pain, sorrow, and anguish as He wept on several occasions (John 11:32-35, Luke 19:41-44, and Hebrews 5:7).
- Jesus endured great physical pain: “My life is poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax, melting within me. My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth…They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count all my bones” (Psalm 22:14-17 NLT).
These examples can help us appreciate this passage from a human perspective: “…we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations” (AMP).
(1) G5287 hupostasis https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5287/kjv/tr/0-1/