57. Did Jesus gain by experience?

In becoming man Christ voluntarily subjected himself to certain hu­man limitations. He was made in all things like unto his brethren and yet without sin.

Luke explicitly states (2:52) that he increased in wis­dom. He took upon himself the human form and with it the conditions of its life, among which would be the need of being educated like other boys.

We can imagine that if in his boyhood he was conscious of his div­inity the human life must have been very strange to him.

Experience alone could enlighten him and it is that fact which specially fitted him to be a High Priest who could sympathize with our infirmities. His temptation in the wilderness was a human temptation.

In passing through the ordeal with a human body he learned the misery of being tempted and consequently he "gained by experience" the power to suc­cor those who are tempted.