~Darene Cole
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. Hebrews 5:7–9
Throughout the book of Hebrews, we repeatedly see Jesus presented as our great High Priest. The writer shows us that Christ is the perfect and eternal High Priest, far superior to every earthly priest who came before Him. Likewise, the new covenant established through Christ is greater than the old covenant given through Moses because it is founded on His perfect sacrifice and everlasting priesthood.
Yet Hebrews 5:7–10 presents us with a truth that can be difficult to understand. How could the perfect, sinless Son of God experience such deep suffering? Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears, asking the Father, if it were possible, to let the cup of suffering pass from Him. Yet He willingly surrendered with the words, “Not my will, but yours be done.” Hebrews assures us that “He was heard because of His reverence.” The Father did hear His Son! The answer, however, was not the removal of suffering but the strength to fulfill the Father’s greater purpose.
Through His obedience and suffering, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for all who trust and obey Him. There are times when it may seem that God is silent or that our prayers have gone unanswered. Yet the example of Jesus assures us that God always hears the prayers of His children. In His wisdom, He may use our trials to deepen our faith, shape our character, strengthen our obedience, and even encourage others through our testimony.
When we cannot understand God’s ways, we can still trust His heart. The same Father who lovingly heard His Son also hears every prayer and every cry of our hearts. His plans are always good, even when the path includes suffering.
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing every prayer I bring before You. Thank You that nothing I say escapes your loving attention. Give me the grace to trust your wisdom when You seem silent. Teach me to walk in obedience, even when I do not understand the path You have chosen for me. May every trial You allow in my life accomplish your purpose, strengthen my faith, and become a source of encouragement to others. Above all, help me to surrender daily with these words: “Father, let your perfect will be done.” Amen.