Did Jesus Sin?
The question of whether or not Jesus sinned is a topic that has been debated and discussed for ages. While Christians believe Jesus was sinless, others argue that as a human being, He must have faced the same temptations we do and therefore sinned. The skeptics are correct that Jesus was a man and had to deal with similar tests, but the ultimate answer is in the details.
The Bible confirms the skeptics’ point that Jesus was tempted. Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus “understands our weaknesses, for He faced all of the same testings we do, yet He did not sin.” Jesus was fully human so He experienced all the same emotions, struggles, and temptations we do. His body endured hunger and thirst. He felt pain and sadness.
So often when we go through difficult trials or unbearable moments, we think “no one understands what I’m going through” or wonder aloud “but what they’re going through can’t be as painful as mine.” This is not true of Jesus because He was tested by Satan himself. The Bible describes how Jesus “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry” (Luke 4:1-2).
There’s comfort in these words for each of us because it means Jesus knows exactly what we’re going through. He wasn’t immune or above the difficulties of life even though He is fully God.
But why is this important? Why does it matter if Jesus ever sinned? Jesus was perfect, but we are not. The Bible reminds us “everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23). Take a look at your sin. Are there areas in your life where you are falling short of God’s standard?
This is what separates us from God—our sin! But how do we overcome our sin and reach Him? God made a way. The Bible explains, “God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because Jesus lived a sinless life, He could stand in our place as a worthy sacrifice. By offering up His sinless life as a payment for our sin, He takes care of the sin in our life. God no longer holds our sin against us, so we can be restored to relationship with Him.
God did this because He loves you and wants to save you from your sin. He sent His Son, Jesus, to live a sinless life so He could be your Savior.
Will you turn away from your sin today and trust Jesus as your Savior?
Step 1 – God’s Purpose: Peace and Life
The Bible says:
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Romans 5:1
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16
"I [Jesus] have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly."
John 10:10
Step 2 – The Problem: Our Separation from God
The Bible says:
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
Romans 3:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
The Bible says:
"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
Proverbs 14:12
"But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear."
Isaiah 59:2
Step 3 – God’s Bridge: The Cross
The Bible says:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
1 Timothy 2:5
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God."
1 Peter 3:18
Step 4 – Our Response: Receive Christ
The Bible says:
"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God."
John 1:12
"If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Here is how you can accept Christ into your life:
- Admit your need. (I am a sinner)
- Be willing to turn from your sins. (Repent)
- Believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross and rose from the grave. (Be saved by faith)
- Through prayer, invite Jesus Christ to control your life through the Holy Spirit. (Receive him as Lord and Savior)
We suggest a prayer like this one:
"Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."
Did you pray this prayer?
