The things which he suffered

Bible Reading: Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5:7-8 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.

It is hard to think of, but the Son of God suffered greatly. The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14). In his humanity, the Son of God prayed to the Father who was able to save him from death...

But wait, the Father did not save him from death. Jesus did die. Yes, but only at the right time. The Father sustained the Son until it was time for him to be presented as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. In the garden, Jesus was nigh unto death. He prayed and the Father sustained him.

We learn two very important things about the Son of God and what he did for us in his humanity. First, he was heard in that he feared. This is a godly reverence when approaching God. Jesus did not take the Father lightly or hold him as a common relationship. He approached the Father with respect, submission, honor and reverence. We must learn from Jesus in this respect. He is our example of approaching the Father in prayer.

Second, we learn that he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. It is not that he did not know what obedience was. Jesus experienced what it is to be a man and obey the Father in the face of suffering. The suffering was no excuse for disobedience. Jesus faced the worst this world and Satan had and he obeyed the Father.

He did this for you and me! When tempted he did not sin. When suffering he did not doubt. Jesus is our high priest and he endured all this for us. Not only so that he can understand our temptation and suffering. But more importantly so that he could achieve the victory for us.

Trust him.

In Christ,
Rody