Jesus is often referred to as the "second Adam," but what does that really mean? How is Jesus similar to Adam? While there are many ways to draw parallels and distinctions between them, one pivotal moment in history may offer a key to understanding one layer of this connection.
Genesis Chapter 3 is one of the most critical chapters in the Torah, marking a profound shift in the human experience and introducing key themes that reverberate throughout biblical thought. This chapter tells the story of Adam and Eve’s temptation and fall, the entry of sin into the world, and the resulting consequences for humanity and all of creation.
The chapter opens with the serpent, described as the most cunning of all the creatures G‑d had made, questioning Eve about G‑d's command regarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Using crafty words, the serpent persuades Eve that eating from the tree would not bring death, but instead grant her knowledge, making her like G‑d. Eve, seeing that the fruit was appealing and offered wisdom, takes and eats it, then gives some to Adam, who eats it as well. Immediately, their eyes are opened, and they become aware of their nakedness, sewing fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Temptation & Desire
“Every man is tempted when he is lured by his own desires and enticed.” (James 1:14)
Temptation is when opportunity meets your own inward desires. You cannot be tempted unless you have a desire for something. Temptation and desires aren’t sinful in themselves, it is only acting upon that temptation that creates sin.
“Afterward, desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin.” (James 1:15)
To ‘conceive’ something, you have to grasp onto it. If you hold onto that desire within you, then it will eventually give birth to ‘sin’ (transgression of law).
The process of the first temptation was thus:
Adam & Eve had the desire to be “like G-d”
The serpent's dialogue with Eve reshapes her perception of the tree and its fruit, highlighting the allure of the forbidden and transforming latent desire into a tangible opportunity for disobedience. The serpent used the already-existing desire to present an opportunity to act on the desire (temptation).
Eve’s desires ‘conceived’ (she grasped onto the desire) and then ate the fruit. Adam did likewise.
Eating the fruit was the sin. (Violating the law of ‘do not eat from the tree’)
Was the desire to be "like G‑d" truly negative? After all, aren't we called to emulate G‑d in our thoughts, words, and actions? This question opens up a deep reflection on how we approach the idea of being godly and the way Adam and Eve's sin helps us understand this balance.
First, we must recognize that Adam and Eve’s sin wasn’t rooted in a desire to reflect G‑d’s moral attributes, such as kindness, justice, or mercy. Indeed, Torah teaches that we are encouraged to imitate these divine qualities—“to walk in His ways” (Deuteronomy 28:9). What was truly at fault was their disobedience to a direct command from G‑d. They acted against the explicit boundary set for them, which was not to eat from the Tree of Knowledge. This act of defiance, rather than the aspiration to be godly, was the core of their transgression.
Moreover, the desire to be like G‑d, as portrayed in Genesis, wasn’t about embodying G‑d’s moral virtues but rather an ambition to attain a kind of divine power or knowledge that wasn’t appropriate for humans. The serpent tempted them with the promise that “your eyes shall be opened, and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). This was a desire for independence, an attempt to control their own destiny and operate outside the limits of their human role. It was less about reflecting G‑d’s goodness and more about grasping for equality with G‑d’s wisdom and authority.
The deeper lesson here is about humility and relationship. While we are indeed called to emulate G‑d’s character, we do so in a way that acknowledges our finite human nature and dependence on G‑d. The sin of Adam and Eve was not in wanting to be godly but in choosing a path that diminished their reliance on G‑d, aiming to transcend their place as His creations rather than walking humbly in His ways..
Scripture encourages humans to emulate G-d's attributes, as expressed in the commandment to "walk in His ways" (Deuteronomy 28:9). The distinction between being "like G-d" and being "like G-d" (although identical in phrasing) lies in the nature of emulation vs replacement:
Emulating Attributes vs. Assuming Divine Authority: The encouragement to be like G-d is about emulating G-d's moral and ethical attributes, not about seeking to assume G-d's unique authority or knowledge. It's a call to embody divine qualities in our relationships and actions, not to challenge or usurp G-d's place in the cosmos.
The Context of Relationship: The commandments and teachings that encourage emulation of divine qualities are given within the context of a covenantal relationship between G-d and humanity, where obedience, respect, and love for G-d's commandments frame the way humans are to reflect G-d's image.
The role of emulation does not equate to replacement. Unfortunately, especially with leadership, people find themselves all too comfortable going beyond the role of emulation and seeking to be the replacement. Korach in the desert (Numbers 16) went above emulation of Moses and sought to replace. Korach believed he (having a spirit for G-d) had direct access to G-d and should have authority over matters. Likewise, many today look towards Jesus and say "I too have a spirit of G-d in me, I no longer need man's authority, I will go straight to G-d" and in doing so, they become no different than Korach. When emulation becomes a replacement, you make yourself into a god - a judge of your own actions and thoughts. Whether it be a replacement of the judges (the Sanhedrin and Rabbinic Councils), the prophet (like Moses), Messiah, or G-d Himself, it is important to know your place is not to replace or redefine - only to emulate.
The Second Adam
How then is Jesus like Adam? It could be that Jesus faces similar temptations in the same spirit of Adam (Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13).
Temptation by Internal Desires: Both Adam and Jesus seemingly face temptations instigated by their desires to be like G-d but in doing so, would diminish the relationship by negating their place within the hierarchy. Adam, who is in the image of G-d, ‘reached out’ and grasped the desire to be an equal to G-d. Jesus did not. As it’s written:
“Though, in the image of G-d, Jesus did not consider equality something to be grasped at.” (Philippians 2:6)
The Temptations: At the heart of both temptations is the root of having authority. Adam faces a command not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil – which in doing so would give him more authority (or so he thought, due to the serpent). Jesus is fasting, and is tempted to turn stones into bread (authority over nature), to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the Temple (authority over angels), and to worship the tempter in exchange for the kingdoms of the world (authority over man).
Genesis: Adam/Eve & Serpent | Gospels: Jesus & The Tempter |
“Did G-d really say you cannot eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1) | “If you are the Son of G-d, tell these stones to become bread [to eat].” (Matthew 4:3) |
“You will not certainly die” (Genesis 3:4) | If you are the Son of G-d,” he said, “throw yourself down. As it is written, the angels will lift you up and you will not harm even a foot” (Matthew 4:6) |
“Your eyes will be opened, and you will be like G-d, knowing good and evil.” (Genesis 3:5) | “All of the kingdoms of the world and all splendor I will give you authority over” (Matthew 4:9) |
Adam and Jesus both had a similar spirit, a desire to draw close to G-d and have dominion and authority over all things, even at the expense of transgressing G-d's commands. However, where Adam was tempted by his desire and gave birth to sin; Jesus was tempted by his desire and overcame it. If Adam's sin removed his path back into Eden, then whose path do we follow to return to Eden?
"I am the way and the truth and the life..." John 14:6
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