I was recently presented with a question from someone who adamantly rejects Jesus’ divinity. They said, “If God cannot be tempted but Jesus was tempted in every way, how can Jesus be God?” Their argument was based on a small portion of James 1:13 and compared to Hebrews 4:15, which led them to conclude that Jesus could not be God.
Whenever we are confronted with questions or arguments that oppose sound biblical doctrine, the first thing we must do is read the verses presented in their entire context. By doing this, we often discover people have misquoted a verse, used only a fraction of it, taken it out of context and misinterpreted it, or presented false statements as fact to establish their position.
Such was the case in this scenario.
After being presented with this question, I read James 1:13, Hebrews 4:15, and the many verses surrounding both passages. Afterward, it was very apparent that James was misquoted, and his words were misinterpreted based on the context of James 1:13-15. The premise of the question was also false because it assumed both references to “tempted” meant the same thing for both scenarios. However, this is untrue according to Scripture.
James’ declaration about God in James 1:13 was not, “God cannot be tempted.” Rather, the verse reads in its entirety, “Let no one say when he is tempted, I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.” Hebrews 4:15 says of Jesus, “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”
Based on the context of James 1:13-15, the meaning of James’ words, “God cannot be tempted by evil,” does not imply, convey, or teach an impossibility for God ever to encounter temptations as Jesus did from Satan. Rather, its meaning is derived and understood by the facts disclosed about human temptations.
In James 1:14-15, James revealed two key facts. First, he disclosed the source of fallen humanity’s temptations, which is their inner, lustful desire for sin (James 1:14). This internal longing or craving for iniquity originates from their sinful nature. Second, James described how those inner temptations lead to sin, which occurs when people give in to their internal, lustful passions for evil (James 1:15).
Based on James’ detailed and precise explanation of the originating source for evil temptations and his response to the claim that God tempts people to sin (James 1:13), the meaning of “God cannot be tempted by evil” is clear:
God can never experience an inner desire or longing to sin (i.e., be tempted) like fallen humanity. Neither can He be provoked, persuaded, bribed, swayed by, or presented with anything evil that would ever evoke a yearning within Himself to do wrong, including enticing others to sin.
Unlike sinful humans with fallen natures, God possesses a holy, righteous, and divine nature. Therefore, He is immune to experiencing inner temptations to sin or entertaining thoughts of iniquity like sinfully natured people. However, this fact does not prevent, exclude, or prohibit Him from encountering external temptations, like Jesus faced when Satan attempted to entice Him to sin but failed (Matthew 4:1-11).
The difference between the two types of “temptations” in Scripture is vast in their application to each scenario represented in the original question. According to James, one type and usage of the word “temptation” refer to something experienced internally where a person contemplates or considers committing evil after their inner desire or craving for sin is aroused. This use of “temptation” is what God and Jesus are immune to, but sinful humans experience.
The other type and usage of the word “temptation” refer to something experienced externally where an offer or suggestion to do evil is presented yet never entices or arouses an internal longing for it, nor causes the one tempted to consider or contemplate sinning. This use of “temptation” is what Jesus encountered with Satan in the wilderness. As such, James’ statement, “God cannot be tempted by evil,” does not contradict Hebrews or disqualify Jesus from being God.
To further assist in explaining the difference between the two types of temptations, I have provided a personal example below:
I love sourdough bread and candy. Unfortunately, I gave up these delectable treats when I began following a strict, low-carb, sugar-free diet over 20 years ago. When I am in a restaurant that serves piping hot sourdough bread to its patrons, and it arrives at my table, my longing to eat bread begins. Everything inside of me wants to devour the entire basket of sourdough and “sin” against my diet after seeing and smelling the irresistible treat. This scenario represents an internal temptation I experience after being presented with something that arouses a craving within me.
On the flip side, I detest butterscotch. When that same restaurant places complimentary butterscotch candies on the table with my bill, nothing inside of me gets stirred. Though I am presented with an invitation to “sin” against my sugar-free diet, I am repulsed by the offer because I despise butterscotch. This scenario represents an external temptation I encounter after being presented with something intended to entice an inner desire but fails because one does not exist.
I hope this information is useful and helps equip you to answer those who question these passages concerning Jesus' divinity.
