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NASB | Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. |
Subject: How can Jesus be tempted if He is God? |
Bible Note: I contend that James' epistle is describing succumbing to temptation, not only being tempted by some external source. Remember that Jesus taught us to pray "Lead us not into temptation." It would make no sense that we should pray "Lead us not into being carried away by own own lusts," since God is not the encourager of sinful behavior, as James said in his letter. Therefore, James must have something different in mind, and the context seems to indicate that he is talking about giving into sinfulness which already exists within us, which Jesus did not have, of course. It is always important to remember that while Jesus took on the form of a servant (i.e. took on a human nature), he did not stop BEING God. While he was exposed to every external avenue to sin as we are (and more so, I would contend), it is impossible for God to sin. During his earthly ministry, although he looked like us, morally he was infinitely different from us. Remember that he said that even sinful thoughts carry the weight of actually committing the offense. Therefore, if there was even a shadow, a flicker of immorality even in his thinking, he did not reflect the unchangeable character of our perfect God. Since all Christians acknowledge that he indeed is God the Son, he was completely unable to be swayed even in the briefest of moments from complete obedience in thought, word, and deed to the Father. Thanks to that, we can receive a righteousness not our own -- His. Praise be to God! --Joe! |