Even Youths

Day 6: Hebrews 5:7-9 ‘Although he was a son, he learned obedience’ March 27, 2010

The Gospels are not the only New Testament texts to reflect on Jesus’ experience in the Gethsemane olive orchard; the book of Hebrews does also.

To people facing suffering, and in danger of giving up their faith, Hebrews holds up the example of Jesus: ”During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death” (Heb 5:7). ‘Could save him’, not ‘would save him’. “And he [Jesus] was heard,” the author continues, though apparently God hearing his prayers – or ours – is not always the same as him granting our requests: after all, Jesus did not escape the cross, but died on it. “He was heard because of his reverent submission” (Heb 5:7). Even as son of God, Jesus did not make demands or lay down ultimatums, but submitted to the will of God. So, rightly, do we. Prayer is not a mechanism for forcing the hand of God, or for manipulating his will; in prayer we state our preferences, and submit to his will.

What was the result of Jesus’ experience in Gethsemane and all that followed? There were two. For one, he learned obedience, and matured spiritually: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, [was] made perfect [i.e., mature or complete] …” (Heb 5:8). If obedience was something even Jesus had to learn through suffering, if spiritual maturity was something he needed to develop through adversity, likely it will be the same for us. For the other, “once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Heb 5:9).

Hebrews holds out Jesus as our example of productive suffering, rather than angry resentment, in submission to the will of God. If his suffering was productive – not only for his own personal growth, but also for the benefit of others – likely ours will be also, if rightly received.

In response, first, give thanks for what you have gained from Jesus’ suffering. Secondly, consider any suffering or challenges that you currently face: (a) how could this adversity, rightly received, promote your maturity? (b) how might God use its effects on you to benefit others? Spend some time in prayer that if God does not remove this suffering, he might use it to produce both (a) and (b).