Let’s begin with the Word: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." Hebrews 4:15 (NIV)

What a profound scripture.  Jesus, our high priest, was tempted like us but did not sin. 

How could this be? The temptation was real… 

“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” Matthew 26:38-39 (NIV)

This is how. He did not possess a sin nature; therefore, He never succumbed to sin.

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)

You might wonder…

Was it that Jesus COULD NOT SIN? Was He incapable, not able to sin? 

OR

Was it that Jesus COULD SIN? Was He capable, able not to sin?

I choose to believe Jesus WOULD NOT SIN. He suffered when tempted, and He chose not to sin. (Luke 4:1-13) Now, as our advocate, He is able to help us overcome our personal sins.

Reference(s): The Holy Bible; Christian Theology, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary