Was Jesus Tempted to Sin?

Episode 617 Show Notes

From the Show

God does not have evil and wicked desires–and who is Jesus? He is no less than the second person in the Holy Trinity; the eternal Son of God, who, in the incarnation, assumed humanity so that he may experience in his flesh the temptations of life. But that does not mean that he had the same kind of sinful desires that we have.

——Adriel Sanchez

Questions in this Episode

1. I was wondering if you could offer some scriptural advice on whether or not believers should watch shows like The Chosen. On the one hand, I think that it’s a faithful representation of the character of Jesus and the disciples. And while it does take creative liberties, I don’t think any of the creative liberties contradicts what Scripture teaches. I think it does well to help us expand our imagination, about the reality that Jesus Christ was God who took on flesh and was man. On the other hand, I’m hesitant to watch something, maybe it’s my theological roots that make me concerned about something that has an image or picture of Jesus. Although I know that a lot of theological traditions do allow for visual portrayals of Jesus because He was a man, whereas, a portrayal of the Father may be transgressing. I’m curious what advice you might offer in such cases.

2. I have just recently graduated from college with a degree in Youth Ministry. I am at home right now and I get to see many friends and acquaintances from high school. Most of them, however, are not Christian. When I am around these people, I find myself being influenced by them and tempted to do and say things that are disobedient to God. I am a person who hates to miss out on things with friends, but I don’t want to be influenced by them and tempted to dishonor God. What should I do? Should I leave my old friends behind and move on? Should I still hang out with them and trust in God to keep me strong so that they may see the light of Christ living within me?

3. What do you all think of New Year’s Resolutions? I have seen some Christians say we should only desire to grow in holiness and not worry about improving our practical life, body image, finances, etc. I am just wondering if these resolutions are things we should avoid or should be encouraged to engage in?

4. I was recently in a church Bible study where the question came up of whether Jesus was tempted TO sin, that is, if he ever desired to give IN to sin, or was simply tempted BY sin, that is he was tempted in all ways–for example experiencing true, physical hunger in the wilderness–but never even considered giving in to the devil’s temptation to turn stones into bread. I hold the latter view, that scripture seems beyond a shadow of doubt that God abhors all sin–that there is nothing “attractive” about sin to him. Do you believe Jesus was ever tempted to give in to sin?