Was Jesus' Temptation Really The Same As Ours?

[GUYMAN]

Last night a priest on EWTN was saying Jesus was incapable of sinning. If that’s the case why is his refusal of temptation held up as an example to us? I know he was human as well as divine - but if there was never a chance he would sin how is that comparable to what humans experience?

 

[redal]

Certainly the same as Israel’s, which is a microcosm of our individual states.

On second point, Jesus could not sin because of his divine nature, but he certainly could be tempted because of his human nature.

 

[fide]

Yes Jesus was (is) incapable of sinning because there was no desire for sin in Him, and it is the desire for sin that leads to sin. As the Book of James teaches in Scripture:

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.
Jas 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted with evil and he himself tempts no one;
Jas 1:14 but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
Jas 1:15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin; and sin when it is full-grown brings forth death.

Jesus was not tempted but He was tested. (note the Greek word translated “tempt” is the same as the word translated “test:” You can check to see what Greek word is used and translated “test” in (for example the RSV New Testament) - it is the same word that is translated “tempt”: πειράζω - peirazō - G3985 in Strong’s.

G3985 (Strong) - πειράζω - peirazō (From G3984; to test) (objectively), that is, endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline: - assay, examine, go about, prove, tempt (-er), try.

The evil one who sought to tempt Him did not know He could not sin. Jesus allowed the evil one to test Him for our sakes - that we might see the way of escape from the tests that become temptations in us (because we can and do desire sinful things). Jesus turned to the Holy Word of God, in His testing in the wilderness. There we see what we must do: turn to God! Turn to His saving Truth, for strength in temptation.

 

[Stephen_says]

Jesus allowed the evil one to test Him for our sakes - that we might see the way of escape from the tests that become temptations in us (because we can and do desire sinful things). Jesus turned to the Holy Word of God, in His testing in the wilderness.

Are you saying his example was not merely that he avoided sin, but that he avoided sin in a “human” way, by relying on the word of God to refute the temptation, and not by some “miraculous” or “divine” tactic of avoiding sin?

 

[TheLittleLady]

I’d suggest reading Hebrews, chapter 4, where we are promised:

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin

Yes, Jesus was tempted in all the ways we are. Realize that the root sins are common to every rational human being regardless of time or location.

Scripture also promises that we will never be tempted to sin where God does not give us a way to avlid sinning, 1 Corinthians chapter 10

No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.

 

[fide]

Are you saying his example was not merely that he avoided sin, but that he avoided sin in a “human” way, by relying on the word of god to refute the temptation, and not by some “miraculous” or “divine” tactic of avoiding sin?

Jesus did not “avoid” sin - sin had and has no attraction to Him. He had and has no desire to do anything apart from the will of the Father, Whose will is also His will. Jesus seeks only to do the will of the Father. This is neither “miraculous” nor a “tactic” - it is the reality of God. God cannot be tempted (James 1:13), nor can He sin.

 

[Stephen_says]

Jesus did not “avoid” sin - sin had and has no attraction to Him. He had and has no desire to do anything apart from the will of the Father, Whose will is also His will. Jesus seeks only to do the will of the Father. This is neither “miraculous” nor a “tactic” - it is the reality of God. God cannot be tempted (James 1:13), nor can He sin.

I think we’re just misunderstanding each other a little bit…

St Thomas Aquinas says “Christ wished to be tempted; first that he might strengthen us against temptations,” “Secondly, that we might be warned, so that none, however holy, may think himself safe or free from temptation,” and “Thirdly, in order to give us an example: to teach us, to wit, how to overcome the temptations of the devil”

I can agree with you that ok, maybe he didn’t “avoid” sin; perhaps that’s not the most precise word to use. But my question then becomes the same as the OP, how can he give “an example” as St. Thomas says, to overcome temptations if he’s not “able” to be tempted?

I think you answered that by saying:

Jesus turned to the Holy Word of God

And that was his example.

 

[po18guy]

It demonstrated both His Divinity for us, and the devil’s weakness in power.

 

[John_Martin]

Yes Jesus was (is) incapable of sinning because there was no desire for sin in Him, and it is the desire for sin that leads to sin.

Actually, there was a desire for food in Jesus - not a desire for sin.
No one has a desire for sin, but we all have a desire to have satisfied appetites, even Jesus.
However, he did not “imagine satisfying his own desire” (He did not “do the flesh’s forethought into satisfying desire” which Paul describes in Romans 13:14, or as James describes it, “desire when it has conceived [in forethought or visualization of getting what you desire] gives birth to sin [to Entering INTO Temptation]”
Being tempted [feeling the hunger] is different than Entering Into Temptation [doing the deed].

Jesus did what Paul and James described: He did not visualize self-satisfaction (“I could turn these stones into bread, then they would be mine to eat”) but instead he told his Father of his hunger, but Satan he told that he would live by the Word of his Father, as James describes it that if you lack anything (desires, appetites) you should ask God “who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

His Love for his Father left no room in his thoughts for self-satisfaction forethought, the flesh’s forethought, thus he could not sin, would not sin, because his will was focused in Love alone.

 

[fide]

@TheLittleLady: “Yes, Jesus was tempted in all the ways we are. Realize that the root sins are common to every rational human being regardless of time or location.”

I think an excellent, detailed answer to this issue, from a Catholic perspective, is HERE. (Link)