Saturday 15 September 2007
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvations for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek". (v.7-10)
Background
The letter of Hebrews unites the themes of Christ's deity andhumanity, his dignity and humility. The submissive resignation ofJesus is portrayed here with a keen eye for both historical detailand spiritual interpretation.
We are taken by the writer of Hebrews to the Garden of Gethsemane,to the greatest crisis faced by Jesus when utter loneliness musthave flooded his whole being and his sweat became like drops ofblood. The disciples slept some way off leaving Jesus to face thismost agonising moment utterly alone.
Christians would not have to face greater grief than this faced byChrist even if they were tested to the very limits of humanendurance. Jesus would be with them as one who had fully enteredinto human anguish and strain. But in order to achieve thiscomplete union with us, Jesus had to submit himself entirely to Godin complete obedience. Sometimes we are overwhelmed when weremember Christ's suffering for us.
To Ponder
Perhaps there is grief or anguish within youtoday, let Christ enter into it with you and do not hold back.
Is there somebody in your life who needs you towalk with them through their grief?