Bible Study - Hebrews 5
S – In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Hebrews 5:7–8 ESV
O – The phrase with a loud cry and tears is probably an allusion to Christ’s suffering in the Garden (see Matt 26:36–46; Mark 14:32–42; Luke 22:40–46). God heard his prayers in the sense of affirming his righteousness and suitability for his role as high priest. Jesus’ faithful devotion is being presented as an example for the readers (cp. 12:2–3).
5:8 he learned obedience from the things he suffered: Jesus was not disobedient before his suffering, but he walked his path of human experience—all the way to his death on the cross—in complete submission to the Father’s will. We are expected to travel the same path
New Living Translation Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2008), Heb 5:7–8.
A – He was like us. He felt what we feel. He hurt. He wept. He prayed so hard the Bible calls them loud cries and tears.
In the garden, He faced the same choice we face: My will or Yours? He chose the Father’s.
And He could have stopped it. All of it. One word and twelve legions of angels would have come (Matt. 26:53). No one took His life. He laid it down (John 10:18).
So why keep going when it looked like the Father wasn’t answering? Because He knew the Father heard Him. He knew the cross wasn’t the end of the story. He knew obedience would save lives. Yours. Mine.
Here’s what gets me. The high priest always offered a sacrifice for his own sins first, then for the people. Jesus had no sin to cover. So He went straight to us, and He didn’t bring a lamb. He was the Lamb.
That’s love at its highest.
R – Lord Jesus, You are the sacrifice. You gave Yourself so we could live. Thank You. Today, help us follow Your example. Teach us to pray honestly, trust the Father fully, and obey even when it costs us. Accomplish Your purpose in our lives. We love You. Amen.
