Question:

Jesus—who had no sin (Hebrews 4:15)—is said to be “perfected” (Hebrews 2:10). I can’t understand what Jesus was missing. What was still imperfect in him?

Answer:

The word translated as “perfect” from the Greek in the New Testmanet is teleos or teleon.  This word is not identical to the English word “perfect.”  It has a broader meaning.  Teleos can mean perfect or mature or complete.  In the case of Hebrews 4:15, the sense of “perfect” is complete or mature.  In other words Jesus became a complete (perfect) high priest for us through what he suffered and through his being tempted in every way like us.  It was not until he suffered and was tempted as we are that he was a “perfect” (ie sufficient, complete, mature) high priest who can relate to us.  A good priest understands the language of the worshipper and the one worshipped.  This is what Jesus became when he came to earth and became human so that we can become like God.

No, Jesus was not imperfect, but he was incomplete at a high priest.

John Oakes