The Bible says that Jesus was absolutely perfect and without sin, even in His human nature (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Pet. 2:22). But according to Heb. 2:10, Jesus was made “perfect through sufferings.” To be made perfect means that He was not perfect initially, which then is a contradiction. What does Heb. 2:10 mean?

– Sarah, Kuwait

DR. GEORGY’S RESPONSE:

Jesus was absolutely perfect in His divine nature. God is perfect (Matt. 5:48) and He cannot change (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). Jesus was also human, and was subject to change, yet without sin. Luke 2:52 says, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature.” If His knowledge as a man increased, then His experience also increased. “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8). He was ‘made perfect’ in that He experienced the refining work of suffering in His sinless life (Job 23:10; Heb. 12:11; James 1:2-4). Jesus gained the benefits of suffering without sinning (Heb. 4:15). That is why Jesus can be of real comfort and encouragement to those who suffer.