Question
Gramps,
Considering that Jesus Christ lived as a mortal and experienced temptation, is it possible that He possessed a ‘natural man’ aspect, including human desires and earthly pleasures, but developed great discipline mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually?
Miles
Answer
Miles,
To comprehend how Jesus can relate to our failures, it is essential to recognize His dual nature as both divine and human. According to Christian doctrine, Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Only Begotten in the flesh, who came to Earth to fulfill a divine mission. However, He also experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and challenges. The scriptures affirm that “in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren” (Hebrews 2:17), indicating that His mortal experience was not merely a façade but a genuine engagement with human life.
Jesus faced temptations similar to those we encounter today. He was tempted by the devil in the wilderness, where he resisted the allure of power, wealth, and physical satisfaction (Matthew 4:1-11). Unlike many of us, who may succumb to temptation, Jesus triumphed over it, demonstrating His strength and commitment to His divine mission. However, this does not mean He was immune to the emotional and psychological struggles that accompany temptation. As C.S. Lewis eloquently stated, “Only those who try to resist temptation know how strong it is” (Lewis, 1952). Thus, Jesus, having never yielded to temptation, possesses a unique understanding of its weight and intensity.
While Jesus did not experience failure in the traditional sense, He did endure profound suffering and anguish. The Garden of Gethsemane is a poignant example of this. Here, He faced the impending reality of His crucifixion and the burden of humanity’s sins. The scriptures describe His suffering as so intense that “his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44). This moment illustrates that while He may not have failed in the way we often do, He fully comprehended the pain and sorrow that accompany human existence.
Moreover, Jesus experienced rejection, betrayal, and loss—common human experiences that can lead to feelings of failure and despair. He was betrayed by Judas, denied by Peter, and ultimately abandoned by many of His followers. These experiences allowed Him to empathize with those who feel isolated or defeated. As the prophet Alma stated, “He will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy” (Alma 7:12). This capacity for empathy is a cornerstone of His ability to understand our struggles.
Temptation is an inherent part of the human experience. It is not merely the act of giving in to wrongdoing but also the struggle against desires that conflict with our values and beliefs. The Apostle Paul articulated this struggle when he wrote, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh” (Galatians 5:17). This internal conflict is something that Jesus, in His mortal life, also faced. However, His response to temptation was rooted in His understanding of divine principles and His unwavering commitment to His mission.
Jesus’ ability to withstand temptation does not diminish His understanding of our struggles; rather, it enhances it. Because He never yielded, He knows the full strength of temptation and can offer us guidance and support in our own battles. As the author of Hebrews notes, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This verse encapsulates the essence of Christ’s empathy—He understands our struggles not from a distance but through His own experiences.
Failure can be demoralizing, leading to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. However, it is crucial to recognize that failure is not the end of the journey but rather a part of the learning process. Jesus’ life exemplifies this principle. He did not come to condemn but to save, offering redemption to those who falter. His Atonement allows us to rise again after we fall, providing a pathway to healing and growth.
In the context of failure, it is essential to remember that Jesus bore the consequences of our sins and failures through His Atonement. As Alma prophesied, “He shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind” (Alma 7:11). This suffering was not merely for the sins He committed—He was sinless—but for the sins of all humanity. This profound act of love and sacrifice underscores His understanding of our struggles and His desire to help us overcome them.
One of the most significant aspects of Christ’s understanding of failure is His offer of grace. Grace is not merely a concept but a transformative power that enables individuals to rise above their shortcomings. The Apostle Paul wrote, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This promise assures us that even in our weakest moments, we can find strength through Christ.
To embrace grace, we must first acknowledge our failures and shortcomings. This acknowledgment is not an admission of defeat but a recognition of our need for divine assistance. Jesus invites us to come unto Him, promising that He will not cast us out (John 6:37). By turning to Him in our moments of weakness, we can access the strength and support necessary to overcome our challenges.
Failure can serve as a powerful teacher. Each setback provides an opportunity for growth and self-reflection. Jesus’ life is a testament to the importance of perseverance and resilience. He faced numerous challenges, yet He remained steadfast in His mission. By studying His example, we can learn to approach our failures with a growth mindset, viewing them as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
In the words of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The only way to fail is to quit.” This perspective encourages us to keep trying, even when we stumble. Jesus’ understanding of our struggles can inspire us to rise again, knowing that He is there to support us every step of the way.
Gramps
