Question:  Dear Greg,

            In Hebrews, scripture shows that Jesus was tempted in all things (possibly more than anyone else was on earth) without sinning.  James shows us that when temptation  matures it turns to sin, so the temptation is not the sin.  I understand that.  But if I say that Jesus was tempted, can I also say that he really did have evil thoughts (brought on by his human side or lusts or implanted by Satan) but just did not let them mature into sin?

            My good friend says that if Jesus was not sexually tempted like he is, then he has one up on Jesus because Jesus has not experienced the same temptations as he has.

            Am I missing something in the Greek meaning of the words “lust”, “temptation” or “sin” as they are used in these verses?  Any good reading material on the subject?

            Thanks for your help,

            Daniel

Answer:  Dear Daniel,

            Most discussions of this nature (between you and your friend) should first concern themselves with a study of the nature of Jesus Christ, who was both son of man and Son of God.  Jesus was the God-man, and while he was both human and divine, these two natures did not mix (an oft-used illustration is that they were like oil and water—in the same space but they did not mix).  The incarnation of the Eternal Son of God—the second person of the triune God is the first place for you and your friend to begin a study of the temptations of Christ.  You may not agree upon this topic (how Jesus was both human and divine), making further discussion pointless because you don’t agree on the foundation.  We have a great deal of material listed under the categories of “Ask Greg”—see “Trinity” and “Jesus Christ” to help you as you consider this topic.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht