Hebrews 4:15
Verse
Context
The Living Word
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we have not a high priest - To the objection, "Your High Priest, if entered into the heavens, can have no participation with you, and no sympathy for you, because out of the reach of human feelings and infirmities," he answers: Ου γαρ εχομεν Αρχιερεα μη δυναμενον συμπαθησαι ταις ασθενειαις ἡμων· We have not a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness. Though he be the Son of God, as to his human nature, and equal in his Divine nature with God; yet, having partaken of human nature, and having submitted to all its trials and distresses, and being in all points tempted like as we are, without feeling or consenting to sin; he is able to succor them that are tempted. See Heb 2:18, and the note there. The words κατα παντα καθ' ὁμοιοτητα might be translated, in all points according to the likeness, i.e. as far as his human nature could bear affinity to ours; for, though he had a perfect human body and human soul, yet that body was perfectly tempered; it was free from all morbid action, and consequently from all irregular movements. His mind, or human soul, being free from all sin, being every way perfect, could feel no irregular temper, nothing that was inconsistent with infinite purity. In all these respects he was different from us; and cannot, as man, sympathize with us in any feelings of this kind: but, as God, he has provided support for the body under all its trials and infirmities, and for the soul he has provided an atonement and purifying sacrifice; so that he cleanses the heart from all unrighteousness, and fills the soul with his Holy Spirit, and makes it his own temple and continual habitation. He took our flesh and blood, a human body and a human soul, and lived a human life. Here was the likeness of sinful flesh, Rom 8:5; and by thus assuming human nature, he was completely qualified to make an atonement for the sins of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom He loved: so He now gives His suffering people His sympathy. Compare Aaron, the type, bearing the names of the twelve tribes in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he entered into the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually (Exo 28:29). cannot be touched with the feeling of--Greek, "cannot sympathize with our infirmities": our weaknesses, physical and moral (not sin, but liability to its assaults). He, though sinless, can sympathize with us sinners; His understanding more acutely perceived the forms of temptation than we who are weak can; His will repelled them as instantaneously as the fire does the drop of water cast into it. He, therefore, experimentally knew what power was needed to overcome temptations. He is capable of sympathizing, for He was at the same time tempted without sin, and yet truly tempted [BENGEL]. In Him alone we have an example suited to men of every character and under all circumstances. In sympathy He adapts himself to each, as if He had not merely taken on Him man's nature in general, but also the peculiar nature of that single individual. but--"nay, rather, He was (one) tempted" [ALFORD]. like as we are--Greek, "according to (our) similitude." without sin--Greek, "choris," "separate from sin" (Heb 7:26). If the Greek "aneu" had been used, sin would have been regarded as the object absent from Christ the subject; but choris here implies that Christ, the subject, is regarded as separated from sin the object [TITTMANN]. Thus, throughout His temptations in their origin, process, and result, sin had nothing in Him; He was apart and separate from it [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,.... Either to Christ, who is before spoken of as an high priest, and who was typified by the mercy seat, to which there seems to be an allusion; and coming to him as a priest upon his throne is very proper: to him saints come for pardon and cleansing, and for a justifying righteousness, for the acceptance of their persons, and the presentation of their services, and for every supply of grace; and to him they may come "boldly", since he stands in the relations of a Father, husband, and brother, and from him they may expect receive mercy, since it is kept for him, and with him, and is only dispensed through him; and in him they may hope to find grace, since all fulness of it dwells in him; and help in every time of need, since their help is laid on him. Or else to God the Father, since Christ, the high priest, is the way of access to God, and it is by him the saints come unto the Father; who is represented as on a "throne", to show his majesty, and to command reverence; and as on a "throne of grace", to encourage distressed souls to come unto him; and to express his sovereignty in the distribution of his grace: and this coming to him is a sacerdotal act, for every believer is a priest; and is not local, but spiritual, and with the heart, and by faith; and chiefly regards the duty of prayer, and a drawing nigh to God in that ordinance with spiritual sacrifices to offer unto him: and this may be done "boldly"; or "with freedom of speech"; speaking out plainly all that is in the heart, using an holy courage and intrepidity of mind, free from servile fear, and a bashful spirit; all which requires an heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, faith, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, a view of God, as a God of peace, grace, and mercy, and a holy confidence of being heard by him; and such a spirit and behaviour at the throne of grace are very consistent with reverence of the divine Majesty, with submission to his will, and with that humility which becomes saints. The Jews often speak of , "a throne of judgment", and , "a throne of mercy" (u); and represent God as sitting upon one or other of these, when he is dispensing justice or mercy (w); and the latter they sometimes call, as here, , "a throne of grace and mercy" (x): and so they make the first man Adam to pray to God after this manner (y); "let my prayer come before the throne of thy glory, and let my cry come before , "the throne of thy mercy".'' The end of coming hither is, that we may obtain mercy; the sure mercies of David, the blessings of the everlasting covenant; particularly pardoning mercy, and the fresh application of it, and every other blessing of grace that is needful: and there is reason to expect it, since there is mercy with God; and it is with Christ, as the head of the covenant; and it is ready for those that ask it; and it has been obtained by many, and is everlasting. And find grace to help in time of need; the Syriac version renders it, "in time of affliction"; which is a time of need, as every time of distress is, whether from the immediate hand of God, or through the persecutions of men, or the temptations of Satan: and help at such times may be expected; since not only God is able to help, but he has promised it; and he has laid help on Christ; and gives it seasonably, and at the best time; and it springs from grace, yea, it is grace that does help; by which may be meant, the discoveries of God's love, and the supplies of grace from Christ: which may be hoped for, seeing God is the God of all grace; and he is seated on a throne of grace; and all fulness of grace dwells in Christ: to find grace often, signifies to find favour with God, to be accepted by him, as well as to receive grace from him. (u) Targum in Psal. xxix. 10. T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. Zohar in Gen. fol. 38. 3. & in Numb. fol. 91. 2. & 93. 2. (w) Megillat Esther, fol. 95. 1. (x) Raziel, fol. 32. 1. (y) lbid. fol. 3. 1. Next: Hebrews Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:15 Our High Priest understands our weaknesses, our human pull toward sin, because he faced all of the same testings we do. He was tempted with all the essential aspects of sin, such as lust, greed, unforgiveness, and dishonesty. This makes him compassionate as our High Priest (5:2). • yet he did not sin: Jesus is unlike the earthly high priests, who had to make offerings for their own sins before they could make offerings for the people (5:3; 7:26-28; see also 1 Pet 2:22-23).
Hebrews 4:15
The Living Word
14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin.16Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
God Directs Our Lives
By Kathryn Kuhlman19K23:34DirectionPSA 46:10PRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 14:6JHN 14:16ROM 8:28HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that God is a person. They share personal anecdotes about their relationship with their earthly father, highlighting the emotional connection and care they received. The speaker then explains that God, as a person, possesses intellect, emotion, and will. They emphasize the significance of having fellowship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the trustworthiness of God's wisdom and knowledge.
(Nicaragua) I Have Labored in Vain
By David Wilkerson12K44:15MinistryISA 49:1MAT 6:33ROM 8:281CO 15:58GAL 6:9PHP 1:6HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of a missionary who became discouraged after five years of laboring in a certain nation without seeing any results. Despite God's promises, the missionary felt empty and dry, pretending to be happy at conferences while secretly hurting inside. Another missionary, David Livingston, also experienced a similar feeling of laboring in vain after 23 years of work in Africa. The speaker also mentions George Bowling, a missionary who gave up his wealth and comfort to serve in Bombay, India, but also felt like his work was in vain. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not losing hope and continuing to trust in God's promises, even when it seems like our efforts are fruitless.
How to Get on Fire for God
By Ray Comfort8.3K48:40ZealMAT 10:16MRK 16:15ACT 20:21ACT 20:24ROM 15:13EPH 6:15HEB 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses three keys to getting on fire for God. The first key is faith, which is described as believing in the promises of God and finding joy and peace through the power of the Holy Ghost. The second key is love for God, which motivates believers to put aside their fears and be faithful witnesses. The third key is compassion, as the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the day of judgment and the need to show compassion towards others. The sermon also mentions the use of anecdotes and humor as effective tools in keeping the audience engaged.
(John - Part 48): A Proper Concept of God
By A.W. Tozer5.5K54:16ExpositionalMAT 6:33JHN 1:1JHN 8:11ACT 17:23ROM 3:23ROM 6:23HEB 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of leisure and how it affects our ability to learn and grow spiritually. He acknowledges that Americans have more leisure time than anyone else in the world due to the convenience of modern gadgets. However, he emphasizes that even with this leisure, Americans still do not have enough time to truly engage in deep learning. The preacher suggests that God knew this and therefore brought salvation down to a level that is accessible to all, regardless of their level of education or leisure. He uses examples from nature and personal experiences to illustrate the idea that God's message is not limited to the learned, but is available to all who are willing to trust in Him.
(Basics) 24. More Reasons for Failure
By Zac Poonen4.2K13:131TI 3:7HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the reasons why many people fall into sin. The first reason is that they don't run away from temptation and instead expose themselves to it. The second reason is that they don't cry out for help when faced with temptation. The third reason is that they don't arm themselves with a mindset to suffer in the flesh like Jesus did, as suffering in the flesh helps us to overcome sin. The speaker emphasizes the importance of pressing on in our Christian lives and not becoming complacent with our progress. He encourages fleeing from temptation and pursuing righteousness and godliness. The sermon references verses such as 1 Peter 4:1-2, Philippians 3:13-14, and various exhortations to flee from sin in the Bible.
Two Great Secrets Revealed - Part 1
By Zac Poonen3.8K43:26MAT 6:33MAT 13:11JHN 4:23JHN 8:1HEB 4:151JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Jesus Christ being our hero and role model. He compares young people's admiration for sports stars to the way we should strive to be like Christ. The speaker highlights the difference between the Old Testament, which is focused on commandments, and the New Testament, which calls us to follow Jesus. He shares his personal testimony of feeling defeated and hypocritical in his Christian life until he surrendered to God and asked for true transformation.
God Knows
By David Wilkerson3.4K36:20HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the comforting truth that God knows and understands our deepest struggles and pains. It encourages listeners to trust in God's care and presence, especially in times of affliction and uncertainty. The message highlights the importance of holding onto God's promises and seeking His strength and peace in all circumstances.
Personal Testimony - Part 3
By Milton Green2.7K14:43PSA 40:2COL 1:13HEB 4:151PE 1:31PE 2:91PE 2:241PE 3:15This sermon shares a powerful testimony of transformation and redemption, highlighting the journey from a place of deep despair and self-condemnation to experiencing God's grace and becoming a new creation in Christ. It emphasizes the profound impact of surrendering to God, receiving His mercy and grace, and being transformed by His love. The speaker's testimony reflects a life changed by faith, humility, and a desire to serve others, ultimately finding purpose and joy in sharing the message of God's grace and redemption.
(Basics) 35. Jesus Overcame Sin
By Zac Poonen2.7K12:57MAT 6:33EPH 6:17HEB 4:15HEB 12:1JAS 1:131JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of holiness and overcoming temptation. He uses the analogy of a father driving in a car and telling his son to run after him, highlighting the impossibility of humans trying to be like God. The speaker explains that holiness can only come when we are willing to say no to temptation. He also discusses how Jesus, as a man, encountered and overcame temptation in the power of the Holy Spirit, offering us the same power and hope. The speaker encourages listeners to have a goal of living like Jesus and pressing on towards that goal, gradually becoming more like Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
More Worth Then Birds (Compilation)
By Compilations2.5K02:35CompilationPSA 55:22MAT 6:26MAT 10:30LUK 12:7HEB 4:151PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the care and love that God has for His people. He highlights the fact that God knows every detail about us, even the number of hairs on our heads. The preacher emphasizes that if God cares for the birds and takes notice of every hair on our heads, He will not ignore our needs or turn His back on us. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's care and to not fear, even in times of crisis, because God has a purpose in everything He allows.
(Christian Leadership) the Spirit of Grace and Power
By Zac Poonen2.5K1:02:23PSA 103:2MAT 1:21HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the gospel and how it is even better news than having a mop and a bucket. The gospel offers not only forgiveness but also deliverance from the power of sin through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. The speaker highlights the importance of seeking victory over sin and references Exodus 2:23 to illustrate the need to cry out to God for help. The sermon also emphasizes the significance of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the evidence of this being the power to be a witness for Jesus.
Overcoming Depression
By Neil T. Anderson2.4K1:13:28DepressionOvercoming DepressionHope in ChristPSA 34:18PSA 42:11ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 16:33ROM 8:282CO 10:5PHP 4:8HEB 4:151PE 5:7Neil T. Anderson addresses the pervasive issue of depression, sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the importance of understanding both the emotional and spiritual dimensions of mental health. He highlights the need for the church to be a place of mercy and grace, contrasting it with secular approaches that often lack true healing. Anderson encourages believers to recognize that depression can stem from distorted thinking and emphasizes the power of Christ to bring hope and transformation. He also discusses the biological aspects of depression, advocating for a holistic approach that includes both spiritual and medical support. Ultimately, he asserts that the truth of God's Word is essential for overcoming despair and finding freedom.
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K53:58The Unchanging ChristFutureFaith in TrialsPRO 8:17ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 14:6JHN 17:5ROM 8:31HEB 4:15HEB 13:81PE 5:7REV 1:18Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ, who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever, as stated in Hebrews 13:8. He reflects on the glory of Christ before creation and the significance of His incarnation, highlighting the contrast between His divine majesty and the humble circumstances of His birth. Ravenhill urges believers to recognize the importance of a personal relationship with Christ, especially in times of trial, and to understand that true faith is tested in adversity. He calls for a deeper commitment to Christ, asserting that He should be our only focus and source of strength in a world filled with darkness and despair.
Fixing Your Eyes - Hebrews 12-1-2
By Anthony Mathenia2.2K44:33HEB 4:15HEB 10:36HEB 12:1HEB 12:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of persevering in the Christian race, highlighting the need for endurance, laying aside weights and sins, and fixing our eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example and finisher of our faith. The message stresses the necessity of making progress in Christ-likeness, running the course set by Christ, and persevering to the end with a regulated effort.
The Godly People Will Be Persecuted
By Zac Poonen2.0K58:02Persecution2TI 3:12HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a godly life and standing firm in God's word. He shares his personal experience of facing opposition for his faith and considers it an honor to be persecuted for standing up for God. The speaker also highlights the significance of being obedient to God's commands, comparing it to following orders in the military. He encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual growth and not to compromise their beliefs for worldly gain.
The Lineage of Jesus
By Zac Poonen1.8K54:19Imitating ChristGEN 4:4DAN 6:22HEB 4:15HEB 7:16HEB 8:6HEB 11:40In this sermon, the speaker shares the story of Sadhu Sundar Singh, a young boy who was desperate to encounter God. He threatened to take his own life if God did not reveal Himself to him. To his surprise, he saw a vision of Jesus instead of the religious figures he expected. This encounter transformed his life completely. The speaker emphasizes the message of hope in the first chapter of the Bible, which offers a permanent change for those whose lives are chaotic and empty. The sermon encourages listeners to cry out to God, recognizing their own helplessness and weakness, and to have faith that God desires to meet with them and bless them. The power of an indestructible life is highlighted, which allows believers to live transparently without hiding anything. The speaker concludes by stating that having a great thirst for God's truth and having faith are the two requirements for receiving valuable blessings from God.
Jesus Encourages All Women
By Zac Poonen1.8K57:30WomenMAT 1:16LUK 3:23LUK 7:36HEB 4:15In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the first part of Hebrews 4:15, which states that Jesus can sympathize with our needs and struggles. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about using relatable topics like sports to connect with people and show his humanity. He highlights how Jesus always identifies with the underdog and tells stories that demonstrate this, such as the laborers who came late receiving the first prize and the thief on the cross being promised paradise. The speaker encourages the audience to present this compassionate and understanding Jesus to the world, particularly to those who have been marginalized or trapped in a life of sin.
Exploring True Faith (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.5K55:52True FaithPSA 103:14MAT 11:28MAT 14:23MAT 25:21MRK 1:35EPH 3:10HEB 4:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses a confrontation between two realities: the reality of Satan, the false usurper, and the reality of God. This showdown has been ongoing since the beginning of time and will culminate in a final conflict at the end of the age. The preacher emphasizes the importance of watching and fasting, as these practices deny the desires of the flesh and align us with God's will. The sermon also highlights the need to recognize that God's reality is true and powerful, even though it may seem invisible compared to the false values and illusions of the world.
Ascribing Glory to God
By Peter Masters1.4K47:57EPH 3:19HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of bringing glory to God by understanding and appreciating His love, thoughtfulness, generosity, and sympathy towards each individual. It highlights the power of God to exceed all our prayers and thoughts, showcasing His ability to do far beyond what we can imagine. The sermon encourages worship that is thoughtful, intelligent, and focused on ascribing glory to God in all aspects of life, from personal prayers to public worship in the church.
New Covenant - Overcoming Temptation - Part 2
By Zac Poonen1.3K09:12GEN 4:7PSA 103:2ROM 6:14GAL 6:7HEB 4:15REV 3:21This sermon emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping in the spiritual realm, highlighting the importance of planting seeds of truth in our hearts to produce a harvest of righteousness. It discusses the blindness caused by the devil, both in unbelievers and believers, regarding the seriousness of sin and the possibility of overcoming it through Christ. The message challenges listeners to take responsibility for their actions, avoid blaming external factors, and embrace the truth that victory over sin is attainable through faith and personal accountability.
Overcoming Temptation
By Chuck Smith1.3K34:19PSA 119:11ROM 5:17ROM 12:1HEB 4:15JAS 1:2This sermon focuses on the topic of temptation, exploring how Jesus overcame temptations from Satan using the Scriptures and emphasizing the importance of knowing God's Word, considering the consequences of yielding to sin, seeking Jesus' help, and listening to the Holy Spirit. It highlights the ultimate consequences of yielding to sin versus overcoming temptation through faith in Jesus, who offers life abundantly. The message encourages believers to stand strong against temptation and find victory through Christ.
(Hebrews) ch.5:7-6:15
By Zac Poonen1.2K1:20:56MAT 26:36ROM 8:13HEB 2:17HEB 4:15HEB 5:6HEB 6:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Jesus as a man who experienced temptation and fear of falling into sin. He emphasizes that Jesus, as our high priest, was tempted in every way just like us, yet he did not commit sin. The preacher highlights Jesus' prayer in the garden of Gethsemane, where he prayed with strong crying and tears, showing his godly fear and dependence on God. The necessity for Jesus to pray in such a manner was to be saved from the death that is the wages of sin. Through his prayers, Jesus was heard and saved from spiritual death.
The New Covenant Life - Part 4
By Sandeep Poonen1.2K52:20MAT 11:28LUK 5:33ROM 4:19EPH 3:17HEB 4:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the new covenant and living radically by it, allowing it to change lives. It challenges believers to be like Jesus, never sinning, and to have the courage to obey the new agreement implicitly. The speaker highlights the need to fill the 'water pots' of our lives with obedience to God's commands, seeking the life of Jesus, and embracing the new wine in new wineskins, which is the church.
Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 5
By Zac Poonen1.2K08:35PSA 32:5MAT 11:28JHN 4:24JHN 11:38JHN 11:40PHP 4:6HEB 4:15HEB 12:11PE 5:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of teaching children to pray to Jesus for even the smallest things, instilling a habit of casting all burdens on Him. It encourages honesty and openness with Jesus, urging believers to unburden themselves completely and trust in His ability to handle any situation. The message highlights the significance of exposing our sins and complaints to Jesus, believing in His power to bring glory out of our challenges.
Sufferings - the Secret Why Christians Suffer
By Norman Grubb1.2K1:19:33SufferingROM 8:171CO 1:9HEB 2:18HEB 4:15HEB 5:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of suffering and temptation in the Bible. They emphasize that suffering is not just a historical event but a continual process that believers go through. The speaker also highlights the importance of not trusting in oneself but in God's ways, as demonstrated by Jesus' suffering and reliance on God. They emphasize the need for believers to find their answers and solutions within themselves, rather than relying on external circumstances. The speaker also criticizes the idea of labeling mistakes as mere errors, emphasizing the need for personal introspection and growth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For we have not a high priest - To the objection, "Your High Priest, if entered into the heavens, can have no participation with you, and no sympathy for you, because out of the reach of human feelings and infirmities," he answers: Ου γαρ εχομεν Αρχιερεα μη δυναμενον συμπαθησαι ταις ασθενειαις ἡμων· We have not a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weakness. Though he be the Son of God, as to his human nature, and equal in his Divine nature with God; yet, having partaken of human nature, and having submitted to all its trials and distresses, and being in all points tempted like as we are, without feeling or consenting to sin; he is able to succor them that are tempted. See Heb 2:18, and the note there. The words κατα παντα καθ' ὁμοιοτητα might be translated, in all points according to the likeness, i.e. as far as his human nature could bear affinity to ours; for, though he had a perfect human body and human soul, yet that body was perfectly tempered; it was free from all morbid action, and consequently from all irregular movements. His mind, or human soul, being free from all sin, being every way perfect, could feel no irregular temper, nothing that was inconsistent with infinite purity. In all these respects he was different from us; and cannot, as man, sympathize with us in any feelings of this kind: but, as God, he has provided support for the body under all its trials and infirmities, and for the soul he has provided an atonement and purifying sacrifice; so that he cleanses the heart from all unrighteousness, and fills the soul with his Holy Spirit, and makes it his own temple and continual habitation. He took our flesh and blood, a human body and a human soul, and lived a human life. Here was the likeness of sinful flesh, Rom 8:5; and by thus assuming human nature, he was completely qualified to make an atonement for the sins of the world.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom He loved: so He now gives His suffering people His sympathy. Compare Aaron, the type, bearing the names of the twelve tribes in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he entered into the holy place, for a memorial before the Lord continually (Exo 28:29). cannot be touched with the feeling of--Greek, "cannot sympathize with our infirmities": our weaknesses, physical and moral (not sin, but liability to its assaults). He, though sinless, can sympathize with us sinners; His understanding more acutely perceived the forms of temptation than we who are weak can; His will repelled them as instantaneously as the fire does the drop of water cast into it. He, therefore, experimentally knew what power was needed to overcome temptations. He is capable of sympathizing, for He was at the same time tempted without sin, and yet truly tempted [BENGEL]. In Him alone we have an example suited to men of every character and under all circumstances. In sympathy He adapts himself to each, as if He had not merely taken on Him man's nature in general, but also the peculiar nature of that single individual. but--"nay, rather, He was (one) tempted" [ALFORD]. like as we are--Greek, "according to (our) similitude." without sin--Greek, "choris," "separate from sin" (Heb 7:26). If the Greek "aneu" had been used, sin would have been regarded as the object absent from Christ the subject; but choris here implies that Christ, the subject, is regarded as separated from sin the object [TITTMANN]. Thus, throughout His temptations in their origin, process, and result, sin had nothing in Him; He was apart and separate from it [ALFORD].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,.... Either to Christ, who is before spoken of as an high priest, and who was typified by the mercy seat, to which there seems to be an allusion; and coming to him as a priest upon his throne is very proper: to him saints come for pardon and cleansing, and for a justifying righteousness, for the acceptance of their persons, and the presentation of their services, and for every supply of grace; and to him they may come "boldly", since he stands in the relations of a Father, husband, and brother, and from him they may expect receive mercy, since it is kept for him, and with him, and is only dispensed through him; and in him they may hope to find grace, since all fulness of it dwells in him; and help in every time of need, since their help is laid on him. Or else to God the Father, since Christ, the high priest, is the way of access to God, and it is by him the saints come unto the Father; who is represented as on a "throne", to show his majesty, and to command reverence; and as on a "throne of grace", to encourage distressed souls to come unto him; and to express his sovereignty in the distribution of his grace: and this coming to him is a sacerdotal act, for every believer is a priest; and is not local, but spiritual, and with the heart, and by faith; and chiefly regards the duty of prayer, and a drawing nigh to God in that ordinance with spiritual sacrifices to offer unto him: and this may be done "boldly"; or "with freedom of speech"; speaking out plainly all that is in the heart, using an holy courage and intrepidity of mind, free from servile fear, and a bashful spirit; all which requires an heart sprinkled from an evil conscience, faith, in the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ, a view of God, as a God of peace, grace, and mercy, and a holy confidence of being heard by him; and such a spirit and behaviour at the throne of grace are very consistent with reverence of the divine Majesty, with submission to his will, and with that humility which becomes saints. The Jews often speak of , "a throne of judgment", and , "a throne of mercy" (u); and represent God as sitting upon one or other of these, when he is dispensing justice or mercy (w); and the latter they sometimes call, as here, , "a throne of grace and mercy" (x): and so they make the first man Adam to pray to God after this manner (y); "let my prayer come before the throne of thy glory, and let my cry come before , "the throne of thy mercy".'' The end of coming hither is, that we may obtain mercy; the sure mercies of David, the blessings of the everlasting covenant; particularly pardoning mercy, and the fresh application of it, and every other blessing of grace that is needful: and there is reason to expect it, since there is mercy with God; and it is with Christ, as the head of the covenant; and it is ready for those that ask it; and it has been obtained by many, and is everlasting. And find grace to help in time of need; the Syriac version renders it, "in time of affliction"; which is a time of need, as every time of distress is, whether from the immediate hand of God, or through the persecutions of men, or the temptations of Satan: and help at such times may be expected; since not only God is able to help, but he has promised it; and he has laid help on Christ; and gives it seasonably, and at the best time; and it springs from grace, yea, it is grace that does help; by which may be meant, the discoveries of God's love, and the supplies of grace from Christ: which may be hoped for, seeing God is the God of all grace; and he is seated on a throne of grace; and all fulness of grace dwells in Christ: to find grace often, signifies to find favour with God, to be accepted by him, as well as to receive grace from him. (u) Targum in Psal. xxix. 10. T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 2. Zohar in Gen. fol. 38. 3. & in Numb. fol. 91. 2. & 93. 2. (w) Megillat Esther, fol. 95. 1. (x) Raziel, fol. 32. 1. (y) lbid. fol. 3. 1. Next: Hebrews Chapter 5
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:15 Our High Priest understands our weaknesses, our human pull toward sin, because he faced all of the same testings we do. He was tempted with all the essential aspects of sin, such as lust, greed, unforgiveness, and dishonesty. This makes him compassionate as our High Priest (5:2). • yet he did not sin: Jesus is unlike the earthly high priests, who had to make offerings for their own sins before they could make offerings for the people (5:3; 7:26-28; see also 1 Pet 2:22-23).