“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
My Notes
What Does Hebrews 4:15 Mean?
The writer of Hebrews describes a high priest who is not distant from human experience: he can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Jesus does not sympathize from above. He empathizes from within. He has been where you are.
"Was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" — the temptation was real, comprehensive, and identical in kind to what you face. Every category of temptation that exists, Jesus experienced. The difference: he did not sin.
"Touched with the feeling" — the Greek (sumpatheo) is the root of sympathy. Jesus feels what you feel. Not intellectually understands. Feels. The empathy is experiential, not theoretical.
This verse immediately precedes the invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace (4:16). The reason you can approach boldly is because the one on the throne knows what you are going through. He has been there.
Reflection Questions
- 1.How does Jesus being 'touched with the feeling of our infirmities' change how you approach him?
- 2.What does 'tempted in all points like as we are' mean for the specific temptation you face right now?
- 3.How does Jesus' sinlessness in temptation encourage rather than discourage you?
- 4.How does this verse connect to the invitation to come boldly to the throne of grace?
Devotional
We have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Double negative for emphasis: our high priest CAN be touched. He is not distant. He is not detached. He feels what you feel.
In all points tempted like as we are. All points. Every kind of temptation. The pull of lust, the temptation to lie, the desire for comfort over obedience, the lure of power, the weight of fear. He experienced all of it. In a human body. With human emotions.
Yet without sin. He went through everything you go through and did not break. Not because he could not feel the pull. Because he chose not to yield. The sinlessness was not effortless. It was victorious.
This is why you can approach God boldly. The person sitting on the throne interceding for you is not someone who looks at your struggle from a distance and says 'try harder.' He is someone who has been in the same fire and knows exactly how hot it burns.
You are not approaching a judge who does not understand. You are approaching a high priest who has felt every weakness you carry — and still says: come boldly. I understand. And grace is available.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
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In this latter part of the chapter the apostle concludes, first, with a serious repeated exhortation, and then with…
For He gives the reason for holding fast our confession; [we may do so with confidence], for Christ can sympathise with…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture