Did Jesus Ever Get Sick?
The question of whether Jesus ever experienced physical illness is not directly answered in Scripture, yet it touches on profound truths about His humanity and His mission.
1. Jesus’ Humanity and Physical Limitations
In becoming human through the incarnation, Jesus voluntarily laid aside the full use of His divine privileges (Philippians 2:6–7). This “kenosis” did not mean He ceased to be God, but that He accepted the limitations of human existence, including hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), fatigue (John 4:6), and physical pain (John 19:1–3). Since He shared fully in our humanity (Hebrews 2:14–17), it is reasonable to conclude that His body, like ours, was subject to the ordinary weaknesses of mortal life.
2. The Nature of His Body Before the Resurrection
Before His resurrection, Jesus did not possess a glorified, imperishable body (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). He received a human body through Mary, and with it came the genetic vulnerabilities of fallen humanity. While He was without sin (Hebrews 4:15), His body was not exempt from the physical consequences of living in a broken world. Thus, just as He could feel pain and grow weary, He may also have been susceptible to illness.
3. The Possibility of Sickness
The Gospels never explicitly record Jesus being sick, perhaps because His public ministry emphasized His healing power rather than His own physical frailty. Still, considering that He lived in a time without modern medicine, among people frequently afflicted with disease, it is likely that He experienced at least occasional sickness—whether fever, infection, or other common ailments. However, given His wisdom in caring for His body and His overall vitality, He may have endured fewer illnesses than most.
4. Sickness and Sin
It is important to clarify that while sickness entered the world as a consequence of humanity’s fall (Romans 5:12), it does not necessarily mean that an individual’s illness is caused by personal sin. Jesus Himself corrected this misunderstanding in John 9:2–3, when He explained that the man’s blindness was not due to his or his parents’ sin but was allowed so that God’s works might be displayed. Thus, even if Jesus experienced sickness, it would not in any way suggest imperfection or sinfulness in Him.
Conclusion
Though Scripture does not explicitly tell us whether Jesus ever got sick, the reality of His true humanity makes it probable. He entered fully into the human condition, sharing in our weakness and suffering so that He might be the perfect Savior. Whether or not He endured fevers or colds, His incarnation assures us that He understands our frailty and offers us both healing and hope.
Stand Firm! 