Sufferings of Jesus

 

Scripture: Hebrews 5:7-9 (NIV)

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 ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.

Devotion:

            In the heartfelt verses of Hebrews 5:7-9, we find a profound reflection on the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ. These verses remind us that even in His divinity, Jesus experienced the full range of human emotions and challenges. He prayed fervently, with cries and tears, to God for deliverance from death, and through His reverent submission, He was heard. This human aspect of Jesus, His ability to feel and express emotions, is a powerful reminder of His deep connection with us.

The passage goes on to reveal that despite being the Son of God, Jesus learned obedience through what He suffered. This obedience was not a lesson learned in ease but through the trials and tribulations of human life. It is a powerful testament that suffering and obedience are not mutually exclusive but are intricately linked in the journey towards spiritual maturity and perfection. This understanding can give us a sense of purpose in our own suffering, knowing that it is not in vain but a part of our spiritual growth.

Finally, the verses culminate in the powerful declaration that Jesus, once made perfect, became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. This is the essence of the Christian faith: the belief that through Jesus' perfect obedience and sacrifice, salvation is extended to all who follow His example and teachings, offering us hope and reassurance in our journey. This promise of eternal salvation is a source of hope that can sustain us through our own trials and tribulations.

As we meditate on these verses, let us be encouraged and inspired by the example of Jesus, who, in His darkest hours, turned to God with complete trust and submission. Let us also be reminded that our own journeys will involve challenges and suffering, but through obedience and faith, we too can partake in the promise of eternal salvation.

Prayer:

            Lord, when we suffer, help us remember that you suffered an excruciating death on the cross after being beaten and mocked for our sake. Lead us to follow Jesus through seasons of suffering, knowing that ultimately, we will rest in heaven with you where there will be no more crying or distress. Encourage our hearts at all times with this promise from your word. Amen.