“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. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. - (Hebrews 5:7-10 ESV)
The Father appointed Jesus as our high priest. (Hebrews 5:5-6) He was tempted in every way like us, yet without sin. ( Hebrews 4:14 - 16)
He suffered in agony while praying in the garden of Gethsemane. He suffered to the point that his capillaries burst in his head. He sweated drops of blood. Jesus was fully obedient to his Father’s will.
“That Jesus “learned obedience” does not mean that he was disobedient and then became obedient. Rather, it means that Jesus followed fully and obediently the path of suffering the Father had designed for him.” (1)
Through prayer, He prepared himself to bear the sins of the world. This is beyond human comprehension.
Reflecting on his ultimate sacrifice leaves me in awe and wonder.
What a Savior!
Jesus’ consecration, piety, and reverence are a model for us in prayer. In the Gospels, we see him denying his flesh. He lived by every word that came from the mouth of his Father. (Matthew 4:4) The devil's temptations were powerless over him in the wilderness and Gethsemane.
The serpent could not stop Jesus from finishing his assignment.
Jesus, being fully God - did the unthinkable by becoming fully man. (John 1:14)
As a biblical scholar, Craig Keener writes:
“Jesus’ participation in human suffering qualified him to be the ultimate high priest; the *Septuagint applies the word used here for “made perfect” to the consecration of priests.” (2)
The fact that we are sinful should not discourage us in prayer. Jesus is presently at the right hand of his Father and our Father. Those who have surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus - are family now.
He prays for us so that we can, effectively pray for others. He knows all about our personal struggles and human weaknesses. He is for us. While we will never be sinless in this life, our goal with the help of the Holy Spirit - is to sin less.
We are called to live holy and consecrated lives. This is not religious legalism. It's a journey of allowing God to love us. To give Him the love, glory, and honor that he deserves. Jesus the “friend of sinners” is our Savior and friend.
God is working in us to conform us into the image of His Son. (Romans 8:29) As followers of Jesus, we are called to deny ourselves those things in our lives, that are offensive to God. And to take up our own cross and follow him on the narrow path.
Scripture To Meditate on:
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy[a] that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” - Matthew 7:13-14 ESV
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” - Matthew 16: 24-26 ESV
Prayer:
“Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
- Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV)
(1) Zondervan Illustrated Backgrounds Commentary, Volume Four, Page 34
(2) The IVP Bible Background Commentary, New Testament, Craig S. Keener, p 646.
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