Hebrews 5

If a high priest sinned, he was required to bring a sin offering to the temple (Leviticus 4:3-12). He could relate to the people because he was subject to the same frailties they were, even though he was called by God. Jesus was also called by God to be our high priest, as Psalm 110:4 shows. Even though He Himself was without sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), He struggled and suffered and wept and prayed, which is why He can relate to us (Hebrews 4:15).

Luke 22:39-46 (WEB) “He came out and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. When he was at the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you don’t enter into temptation.’He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, saying, ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.’ An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, and said to them, ‘Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.’ “

In fact, He was heard because of His devotion! But we note that this hearing didn’t mean that He escaped the cross. The whole purpose of the incarnation was for the cross. Jesus took on humanity and suffered as a result of His obedience.

Philippians 2:6-9 (WEB) “who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name,”

God incarnate, the second person of the divine Godhead, learned perfect obedience through the cross, and He “became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation.” If that doesn’t blow your mind, nothing will!

Thought for the day: This can be difficult to understand, but it’s important for us to get. It’s the “solid food” that we should be chewing on as adults in the faith. This “solid food” teaches us the magnificent truth about the incarnation and the price that was paid for our salvation. It also teaches us that suffering has role to play in our lives, and we become better and more mature, or “perfected” as a result of it.

James 1:2-4 (WEB) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”