There is an age old question I think all people, Christian or not, ask at some point if they talk about Jesus. That question being: "Could Jesus have sinned?". I feel most probably skirt this question due to the road to discover the answer becomes one of circular arguments or disagreements for that matter.
Scripture states, "Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens - Jesus the Son of God - let us hold fast to the confession. For we don not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time." Hebrews 4:14-16.
This verse completely draws on Jesus' humanity and deity all the same. It is evident that Jesus was 100% God and 100% man. His favorite term for Himself was the "Son of Man"...alone a statement where He identified Himself as human. Jesus, is the likeness of the Father...He came in that likeness and He gave up His positon next to the Father and lowered Himself and became human...a humble move considering at this moment He subjected Himself to God the Father...He made Himself a servant...He considering equality with God not something to be grasped...
But He also claimed to be God...words which caused Jesus much trouble on this earth. But, each of these we shall give equal value...it is a balance greatly need by those who walk with Christ...
So, the question: Could Jesus have sinned? Answer in short is yes, but He didn't. Saying He could have sinned does not take away from the fact that He didn't...it encompasses His humanity and deity all at the same time. If Jesus could not have sinned then the temptation He didn't succumb to cannot match up with those of us who fall short every day. He wouldn't truly be able to sympathize with our weaknesses as the verse says He can.
Jesus was offered kingdoms, food, and many other things at His weakest points yet He remained sinless toward the Father. Jesus felt the urges and temptation as we do...it is what makes this verse jump out and apply to all the struggles we might have. He can relate to us on a level no one else can...God created us for Him, by Him and through Him and when He came He experienced life as we do...and He beat sin! Defeated it...death couldn't even hold Him...
Today, we can have comfort knowing that giving up all for the sake of Christ is not an effort in vain but one in victory. Christ understands...He knows our pain, struggle, temptation, hurt, lack of trust, sickness...He knows like no other can know...
I hadn't really explored this very much until recently and just kind of took Christ's humanity as something that happened...nothing I looked deeper into...It gives me great comfort to know that Christ knows my every struggle and He is there to assist me and give me strength through life's marathon.
I was told an illustration by my college NT and Greek professor, Dr. Barry Morgan, that set this up for me and gave it application. Being a fighter pilot in the military he talked some on the planes he flew. He said one day they tested the engines of the planes after working on them and when they did they had to chain them down to a static pad, a pad of concrete, and then turn the burners on full blast. In this testing sometimes a chain would break of the many holding down the plane and they would have to replace it. He asked which chain more understands the full force that jet has to offer? The chain that broke or the one that stayed true?
The one that stayed true...it fully experience the power of all tha plane had to offer. Jesus lived without breaking...He understands what it means to live without sin yet be tempted and tried as we are. He can sympathize with our weaknesses! Comforting to me...
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