The Days of His Flesh – Hebrews 5
‘Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;’ — Hebrews 5:7
The role of the high priest in Israel was to represent men to God, offering gifts and sacrifices on their behalf (v.1). Priests were taken from among men, and as men could understand the weaknesses of those they represented and have compassion on them (v.2). Priests were sinners themselves who also needed to make sacrifices for their own sins (v.3).
In the same way, the eternal Son of God took on flesh so that He could identify with our weaknesses and suffering. He knows what it is to offer up prayers and supplications with strong crying. He knows what it is to shed tears and to cry out to the Father for deliverance. And He knows how to be heard by the Father (Psalm 22:24).
The suffering of the Son of God and the experience of obeying and submitting to the Father fully qualifies Christ to be the author of our salvation as well. Not only does Christ save us from the penalty of sin, but Christ also continually saves us by giving us grace and mercy in time of need (4:14-16).
What a blessing to have such a high priest who is fully qualified and mercifully compassionate on us! May God help us to listen and learn about Him. May we not be dull of hearing when it comes to spiritual things (v.11). May we receive the milk and meat of God’s Word so that we may mature and be able to even teach others (v.12-14).
Are you suffering and in pain? Jesus understands. Cry out to Him. Trust in Him. Allow Him to help you not only with salvation from sin’s penalty but with salvation from discouragement, frustration, anger, bitterness, and the challenges we will face in this life.