Q and A

"James 1:13 says that God cannot be tempted by evil.  If Jesus was God in the flesh than why do so many claim that he was tempted just like we are when the Bible clearly says God cannot be tempted?" Another question asks, "Does Hebrews 4:15 means that Jesus faced every temptation that man faces?"

I've chosen to examine these two questions together as they will overlap a bit.  James 1:13 clearly states that God cannot be tempted by evil, just as the first questioner stated.  Hebrews 4:15 just as clearly says that Jesus Christ has  been tempted in every respect as we are yet without sins.

First, Scripture leaves no doubt that Jesus was God in the flesh.  Though passages could be multiplied John 1:1, 14 and Hebrews 1:3 are sufficient to prove the point.  Many have concluded that James 1:13 and Hebrews 4:15 contradict one another or prove that Jesus was not really God in the flesh.  Paul calls the incarnation a mystery for very good reason (1 Timothy 3:16).  The incarnation was a miraculous event in which God became man while not ceasing to be God. I will not pretend I can explain it nor will I presume to attempt an explanation.  Jesus was tempted in his humanity which does not contradict James 1:13 in any way.  Remember, the incarnation was a mystery and a one time event.  It is not for us to explain how it happened, but to accept that it did because the Bible tells us so.

As to the second question, I do not believe that Hebrews 4:15 means that Jesus Christ experienced every temptation known to man, but that he felt the force of temptation just as we all feel it.  The questioner likely finds certain things tempting that I do not and vice versa.  However, the questioner and I both know how strong temptation can be.  It is in that way that Jesus was tempted in all respects as we are.  Because he has experienced temptation he can sympathize with our weaknesses.  Because he never sinned he can be our Savior.  Let us praise him for that!