Hebrews 5:5–10 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 5:5–10 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; Verse 6as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." Verse 7In 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. Verse 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; Verse 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Verse 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Devotion
Nowhere in the liturgical year does the journey of Jesus become more emotional than in Lent. “In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears.” Our hearts too journey with Jesus through the valley of this season. While shadowed by cries and tears portending a terrible day of suffering ahead for Jesus—and for us, in this liturgical time—Lent also offers signs of light and hope ahead.
This passage from Hebrews is one such sign. Read in the thick of the Lenten shadows, we hear: “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” “You are a priest forever.” “He became the source of eternal salvation.” We’ll need these signs of light and hope to hold onto, just as we do when we move through life’s many shadowy seasons, so that we are not overwhelmed completely.
Interested in digging deeper into today’s text? Read more here with Enter the Bible.
Prayer
Holy One, who is able to save from death, hear our prayers and supplications, our loud cries and tears, just as you heard those of Jesus, our high priest and source of salvation. Reveal to us the small sources of light and hope as we travel through the shadows, now and in the days to come. Amen.