A brief study of Messiah’s humanity as the spiritual source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.
Letters of Hebrews 5:7-8
During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals, with loud cries and tears, to the One who had the power to deliver Him from death; and heard because of His godliness. Even though He was the Son, He learned obedience by things that He suffered. Hebrew 5:7-8
During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals,
Prayers
Within the apostolic writings, Jesus prayed about 25 times during His ministry. Perhaps the most commonly cited prayer of Messiah is from Matthew 26:39: “And He went a little beyond them and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but Thou wilt.”
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is a powerful example of faith and submission to God’s will. It reminds us of the importance of prayer in our own lives and encourages us to trust in God even when we are facing difficult times.
This very cup of suffering involved Jesus, being the sinless Son of God, taking upon Himself, the sins of mankind while dying on the cross. Messiah’s deep agony on the cross is quoted in Psalm 22 expressing His deep agony on the cross. He was suffering the penalty for the sins of all mankind.
Yet not all scholars agree that Jesus was separated from the Father. Due to His divinity, Messiah could not have possibly suffered and died, yet within His humanity, He could suffer the agony of separation from the Father and actually die physically.
[see Matthew 27:45-46]
“Now from the sixth hour,[noon-3 pm] darkness fell upon the land until the ninth hour, at the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachithani, My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken Me.
The Messiah’s spiritual discipline of prayer, appeals, and reverence toward the Heavenly Father offer faithful followers keen and powerful spiritual weapons and benefits in our lives.
Looking deeper into the meaning of these terms:
Prayer: A seeking, asking, entreating request addressing God, imploring God’s aid in particular matters, supplication for others- prayers, an element of devotion, a childlike confidence toward the heart. of God.
Appeals: supplication,
- an act or instance of supplicating; a humble prayer, entreaty, or petition. Such an act from the Hebraic symbolism depicts the offering of the olive branch, earnest supplication for peace, relief, and reconciliation.
Quote
“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.” – Søren Kierkegaard
Looking again at the text:
with loud cries and tears
[cf: Ps. 22:1; Mt. 27:46,50; Mark 15:34,37; Luke 23:46]
The New Covenant cites four times Yeshua cried:
Our Savior was a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:5). This is more than mere emotionalism or shallow sentimentality – it is a reminder that He cares and that He carries our burdens.
There are recorded times in Scripture that Jesus wept [John 11:35 [the death of His friend Lazareth]; Luke 13:34; Luke 19:41 [the sins of humanity]; Hebrews 5:7-9 While praying in the garden before His death on the cross).
There is a case to be made that Jesus also cried just before yielding up His spirit on the cross. Matt. 27:45-46
Each of these events is near the end of His life and each reveals what matters most to our loving God. He truly is “touched with the feeling of our infirmities” (Hebrews 4:15). His tears are a reminder that He loves sinners and cares for every soul.
Returning back to the text:
“to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
Jesus’ cries, petitions, and supplications to the Father were heard, because of His complete holy piety toward God.
Reverence: [Greek term, eulabeia (yoo-lab-i-ah)
Reverence means a fear of God, piety, taking hold of what God calls good; having a holy caution, discretion, [the power or right to decide or act according to one’s own judgment.] Discretion is also the quality of being discreet, especially with reference to one’s own actions, speech, prudence, or decorum.
Quote
“The beginning of wisdom is found in doubting; by doubting we come to the question, and by seeking we may come upon the truth.” – Pierre Abelard
Hebrews 5:8-9
“Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He suffered and once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him.”
Obedience
In the text, the essence of the word describes the obedience with which Christ followed out the saving purpose of God, especially by his sufferings and death: absolutely, Hebrews 5:8.
Yet in the broader scope, the definition of obedience for each of Yeshua’s disciples communicates compliance, submission, obeying, and the obedience of one who conforms his conduct to God’s commands, absolutely.
Suffered: pasxo
3958/pásxō (“to experience feeling”) relates to any part of us that feels strong emotion, passion, or suffering – especially “the capacity to feel suffering” (J. Thayer).
The Lord has privileged us to have a great capacity for feeling (passion, emotion, affection). Indeed, this is inherent because all people are created in the divine image. Note for example how Jesus in His perfect (sinless) humanity keenly felt (3958/pásxō, see Lk 17:25, 22:15, 24:26,46, etc.)
Perfect: teleioó
In the Bible, the term perfect implies spiritual maturity for a faithful follower, an example is Colossians 1:28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.
Yet within the context of our text, perfect has the following meaning of the end result of one’s spiritual journey.
Definition: to bring to an end, to complete, perfect
Usage: (a) as a course, a race, or the like: I complete, finish
(b) As of time or prediction: I accomplished,
(c) I make perfect; pass: I am perfected.
In the New Covenant, there is not a complete listing of the things that Jesus suffered; however, the essence of this verse is to emphasize His humanity in the events that He willfully suffered. In this process, He learned obedience by His crucifixion, the rejection by some religious leaders, and the physical and emotional challenges He faced during His short earthly ministry.
Suffering
Quote
“Suffering is the fertile soil into which God transplants every willing and obedient follower of His Son!”-anonymous
The idea that suffering can produce obedience is complex and nuanced, often discussed in religious and philosophical contexts. Here are a few ways in which suffering can potentially lead to increased obedience or compliance:
- Humility: Suffering can humble a person and make them more open to obedience. When people face hardship or pain, they may become more willing to listen to guidance or follow rules or principles they might have previously disregarded. Suffering can break down pride and self-reliance, making individuals more receptive to external guidance or authority.
- Reevaluation of Priorities: Suffering can prompt individuals to reevaluate their priorities and values. When people experience difficult times, they may question their previous choices and behaviors. This self-reflection can lead to a desire to align more closely with moral or ethical standards, which can result in increased obedience to these principles.
- Seeking Comfort or Relief: Suffering often leads people to seek comfort or relief from their pain or distress. In some cases, this might involve turning to religious or spiritual beliefs and practices for solace and guidance. This can lead to increased obedience to the teachings and principles of one’s faith.
- Community and Support: Suffering can bring people together and foster a sense of community and support. In such situations, individuals may be more inclined to follow collective norms and values, leading to increased obedience within their community.
- Fear of Consequences: Suffering can also make individuals more aware of the consequences of their actions. If someone’s suffering is a result of their disobedience or reckless behavior, they may become more obedient out of fear of further negative consequences.
- Character Development: Suffering can contribute to personal growth and character development. As individuals endure and overcome hardships, they may develop qualities like resilience, empathy, and self-discipline. These qualities can lead to a greater inclination toward obedience, both to external authorities and to one’s own moral compass.
Why does God respond to those who show reverence toward Him?
The idea that God positively responds to those who have reverence (or fear) toward Him is rooted in many religious and theological traditions. This concept is often based on the belief that God is a loving and just deity who rewards those who approach Him with humility, respect, and a sense of awe. Here are some reasons why reverence toward God is seen as eliciting a positive response:
- Spiritual Attitude: Reverence toward God is often seen as a fundamental spiritual attitude. It reflects a recognition of God’s greatness, holiness, and sovereignty. Approaching God with reverence demonstrates a sincere desire to connect with the divine and to acknowledge His role in one’s life.
- Humility: Reverence is closely associated with modesty. When individuals approach God with reverence, they acknowledge their own limitations and shortcomings. This humility can be pleasing to God, as it reflects a genuine recognition of human dependence on the divine.
- Alignment with God’s Will: Reverence often leads to a desire to align one’s life with God’s will and commandments. When individuals revere God, they are more likely to seek to live in accordance with the moral and ethical principles taught by their religious tradition. This alignment is viewed positively by believers.
- Openness to Guidance: Reverence can create a receptive heart and mind. People who approach God with reverence are often more open to receiving spiritual guidance, wisdom, and inspiration. They may be more attuned to recognizing God’s presence in their lives.
- Forgiveness and Grace: Many religious traditions teach that God is forgiving and gracious. Those who approach God with reverence and repentance are often believed to be more likely to receive forgiveness and grace, as they acknowledge their need for it.
- Fulfillment of Spiritual Needs: Reverence can satisfy a fundamental human need for a connection to something greater than oneself. When individuals experience this connection through their reverence toward God, it can lead to a sense of fulfillment and peace, which is viewed as a positive response from God.
- Promotion of Virtue: Reverence toward God is often associated with the development of virtuous qualities such as love, compassion, and kindness. These virtues are believed to be in harmony with God’s nature and are therefore positively responded to by God.
Some Closing Observations
Our study of the passage of Hebrews 5:6-8 revealed some essential and transformational takeaways for every faithful follower of the Lord. The initial theme considered the Messiah’s humanity, prayer life, obedience, and suffering.
We also observed His reverent submission in His role in providing salvation for humanity on the cross. Because of His perfected work on the cross, Messiah is the ultimate role model in assisting those who believe and follow His teachings and example, aiding modern-day disciples in successfully, navigating our spiritual journey to its completion. Amen
Grace and Peace
Brother Alonzo
