S) "8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered."
Hebrews 5:8 (NASB)
O) It seems a little bit strange, because Jesus is God, to say that He learned anything. However, it is still there, plainly written in black and white. Obviously, during His ministry, Jesus knew many things that ordinary people would not know, but I'm not sure He was omniscient in the general sense we mean it about God. At the very least, He confessed that even the Son did not know the day and hour of His return, but only the Father does (see Matthew 24:36). Perhaps it was some kind of limitation He assumed while in the flesh. Alternatively, this could be more figurative. There are times when God is represented in a more anthropomorphic way, to make a heater understand better (like when God said He would go down to Sodom and Gomorrah to see if the outcry He heard was accurate (see Genesis 18:21). When the writer says, "He learned obedience," this could be more about the fact that Jesus set an example for us, over and over. Given the context of v.9, where the writer says we also must be obedient, this seems somewhat likely. The context of the previous verse also gives a reference point to the suffering described, and he clearly meant when Jesus was praying in Gethsemane. Jesus prayed that His cup be taken from Him, and He suffered even to the point of blood (see Luke 22:42-44). Even so, Jesus did suffer, and He was obedient, and the point the writer of Hebrews is making is that the two things are related. This isn't only a comment about the humanity of Jesus, but it is a comment about Him being a perfect example for us, as our high priest.
A) While this verse does help me understand the character of Jesus, and what His obedience looked like, it is more directly setting the precedent for me to follow, which is clarified, I think, with the next two verses as well. I am, right now, heading into one of the biggest times of testing I have ever faced. Moving to Montana ahead of my family, without my wife, will include suffering I haven't really faced before. It will be hard physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, in my suffering, I want to learn obedience. I want my love of Christ to be proven as greater than my love for my kids, or my wife, or my self. This is going to be very difficult, I can't kid myself. But, this is not at all impossible. God paved the way for me to get here. We prayed for this for a long time, and we only ever asked that His will be done. I have no doubt, then, that this solitude, this separation from them, is also part of His plan. If He intends to let me be tested, I intend to pass. This will happen, if I am intent on following the example of Christ Jesus, my Savior, learning obedience from the things which He suffered.
P) Father, reflecting on this passage, and reading the account from Luke about Jesus in Gethsemane, I know I have my work cut out for me. I know that I have not yet resisted temptation to the point of shedding blood, as the writer of Hebrews said it in chapter 12. I know that my temptation to disobedience, in any way, surely pales in comparison to the challenge Jesus faced. I am, after all, not facing death on a cross. I am, after all, not about to take upon myself anyone else's guilt. Still, I confess that I am more than a little scared about how hard this might be. I feel like a child, who is going to get a shot from the doctor, but doesn't really understand how much that hurts. I know my fear is probably inflated. I know the devil will try to intimidate me, try to end my fight before it has begun. But I'm here, Lord. I am Your servant. I know that You are here. You have not abandoned me to be alone. You have not set me up to fail. With the Holy Spirit, I am fully equipped to overcome this trial. So please help me, Lord. Help me fight. Help me win. Send an angel to me, to strengthen me, if that's what it takes. I love You Lord. I know that You are cheering me on. Help me be more like Christ than I ever have been before. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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