Hebrews 5:1-10
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
Helpful Background Information:
The Book of Hebrews was likely written between 65-67 A.D. Although the author is unknown, the most likely candidates are normally said to be Paul, Luke, Barnabas, or Apollos. The book was written to encourage Christians (likely with a Jewish background) who are facing temptation to drift away from their faith in Christ. Hence, the author’s main goal is to show that Jesus is greater: greater than angels, Moses, the Old Covenant, and the Old Testament priesthood. Because of this, Jesus is the perfect, only, and final way to approach God.
Our passage fits into Chapters 4-10, which focus on Jesus being our high priest. In verses 1-4, the author explains the role of a high priest. In verses 5-6, the author explains that Jesus did not take this role by force, but God the Father appointed Jesus to this role. However, Jesus did not just become like another Old Testament high priest like Aaron, but rather he is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Jesus belongs to a greater, eternal priesthood that only he has.
Then, in verses 7-10, the author points the reader back to Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus offered to the Father prayers with “loud cries and tears,” and God heard them. There, His prayer was so intense that He sweated drops like blood, revealing the depth of His inner struggle. While the Gospel accounts don’t specifically mention tears, they would certainly fit with the intensity of that moment.
As the author states in verse 7, God was able to save Jesus from death, as seen in the resurrection. Because of Christ’s perfect human life, he now stands to intercede for and help every Christian. Jesus is the source of eternal salvation. Jesus’ faithfulness in his suffering in the Garden and the death on the cross is why we can trust Jesus to handle our suffering and prayers for help.
Reflection Questions:
Write down 5 observations regarding Jesus in Gethsemane and the rich truths of Hebrews 5:1-10. How do they connect? What does this teach us about our relationship with God?
How does seeing Jesus as both fully human (experiencing suffering, learning obedience) and fully appointed by God strengthen your trust in Him?
In what ways can you grow in obedience, even when it is difficult, following Jesus’ example?