Although the angel’s words to Joseph show that He is God, they also point to His humanity. In every way, Jesus was a true man.

Physically

He was conceived in Mary’s womb and born as an infant like the rest of us. He grew up, learned to be a carpenter, and lived among His people. When He fasted, He was hungry (4:2). He worked so hard that He could fall asleep in a storm-tossed boat (8:24). His body felt the sharp sting of the lash, the blows from mocking soldiers, the piercing crown of thorns. Nails pierced His hands and feet with horrible pain when they crucified Him. On the cross His parched tongue cried out, “I thirst” (26:67; 27:26, 29, 30, 35, 48). Finally, He died.

Mentally and emotionally

He thought and felt as we do, except without sin. He could be astonished at the presence of faith (8:10) or the lack of it (8:26; 17:17). He was moved with compassion (9:36; 15:32; 20:34), grief (John 11:35), and profound sorrow (Matthew 26:38).

Spiritually

He related to God His Father in constant meditation upon the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; John 8:40); prayer (Matthew 11:25-26; John 11:41-42) and obedience (Matthew 26:39, 42; John 5:30). He could be tempted as we are (Matthew 4:1-11), though He did not sin (Hebrews 4:14). “In all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest … to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17). “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are… Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16).