“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Hebrews 5:7
Though Jesus was God’s own Son, He poured out gut-wrenching prayers during His earthly agony. His tearful cries reveal the depth of His suffering and longing for God’s comfort and deliverance.
Reverent submission, not entitled demand, marked Jesus’ appeals to the Father. He asked earnestly while surrendering to God’s higher purposes. Jesus modeled bringing raw human emotion before God in humility.
When faced with anguish, we often withdraw into private misery or lash out in anger. But Jesus’ example invites us to reverently voice our deepest pain to the One who hears and holds us in compassion.
The Spirit of Gethsemane
The night before His death, Jesus anguished in Gethsemane as He anticipated bearing mankind’s sin. Luke says Jesus “being in anguish, prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” Luke 22:44
Though dreading the cross, Jesus prayed in submission to the Father and His redemptive plan. He received strength to walk the agonizing road ahead.
When we face grief, opposition, uncertainty, and pain, Gethsemane reminds us we can boldly cast our cares upon God while submitting trustingly. He understands and cares.
Prayers of Deliverance
The letter of Hebrews says Jesus offered up “prayers and petitions” asking to be saved from untimely death. God did miraculously deliver Christ from harm in other situations.
But this time, Jesus accepted that the only path was through death, not deliverance from it. On the cross, He uttered the anguished cry: “My God, why have you forsaken me?” He endured hell to save us.
Jesus understands when we plead for God’s deliverance from suffering. Keep praying boldly in reverent submission. God’s perfect will be done.
God Hears
Though Jesus agonized and died, Hebrews says God heard His prayers “because of his reverent submission.” Christ’s obedience led to resurrection!
When we reverently cry out to God in our troubles and confusion, we can have confidence our loving Father hears. He will answer according to His perfect wisdom and purposes.
God may not remove our cup of sorrow, but His presence sustains us to drink it. Through prayer, anguish is transformed into hope. Christ understands and intercedes still. We are heard.
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