READ: Ezekiel 17,18; Psalms 131; Hebrews 5
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 5: 7 During
the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with
fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was
heard because of his reverent submission.
8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered.
OBSERVATION: According to the Old Testament, the high
priest alone could enter into the Holy of holies to plead for his people and
make atonement for them. From Hebrew 4 onwards, the author portrays the
superiority of Jesus’ priesthood. A high priest would offer prayers and
sacrifices for his people. However, before doing that, he would offer sacrifice
for his sins. But Jesus never needs a sacrifice for his sins, for he is
sinless. Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not
sin” (Heb.4:15). Then, why did Jesus pray? Some people ask, “if Jesus is God,
to whom he prayed?” We find the answer at the starting phrase of verse seven.
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth,” which indicates Jesus’ pre-existence
divinity and human nature.
Jesus prayed on different occasions, but “the
prayers and petitions” here refers to Jesus’ prayer at the Gethsemane Garden
before his crucifixion (Mt.26:36-39; Luke 22:42-44). Jesus offered prayers on
behalf of all humanity as he was about to offer himself the atoning sacrifice
for all. The agony of bearing the sins of all humans made him pray “with
fervent cries and tears.” Jesus’ prayer was not to escape from dying but to be
saved from remaining in death. In other words, Jesus’ prayer was about his
resurrection. He fully submitted himself to his Father’s will. His prayer was
answered. The price for our sins was paid on the cross, and God raised Jesus
from the dead. Jesus, our high priest, not only prayed for us, he offered
himself as the atoning sacrifice for human sin once for all. Jesus “learned
obedience” does not mean that he was disobedient before. Instead, it indicates
his experience of obeying God even through suffering. Phil.2:8 says, “being found in
appearance as a man, he (Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to
death—even death on a cross!” We have a great high priest who is holy and
sinless. Therefore, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with
confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time
of need” (Heb.4:16).
APPLICATION: Heb.2:14 says, “Since the children have flesh
and blood, he too shared in their humanity” Jesus knows hungry, the pain of
suffering and losing dear ones, struggles, and temptations. But he was sinless.
As I obey God, I experience his power in my life. I should follow the example
of Jesus to pray and obey.
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for your love to send your Son to save us. Jesus, help me to pray always
and experience your words every day of my life. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 314
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