Because of His Reverence

In Chapter 5 of the book of Hebrews, the writer is comparing earthly high priests with Jesus Christ. It’s almost silly how infinitely more capable and worthy Jesus is to offer a sacrifice for sins than the high priests are. The high priest had to first make a sacrifice for his own sin before he could offer a sacrifice for the sin of the people. He had to be washed by the blood of an animal sacrifice before he was able to step behind the veil of the earthly temple into the Holy of Holies. Even then, he had a rope tied to his ankle in case he should die in the presence of God so that he could be pulled out. Only the chosen high priest was granted permission to enter this inner most holy place.

Jesus, on the other hand, has passed through the heavens, the real Holy of Holies. Instead of needing to make sacrifice for Himself, He becomes the Sacrifice for all. He is the one mediator between God and men (2 Timothy 2:5). Christ’s sacrifice of Himself was infinitely and eternally sufficient to make propitiation for us and reconcile us to God. Only the infinite and eternal God could offer such a sacrifice. But only one who is fully man could substitute His life for His brothers.

Verse 7 gives us an amazing depiction of Christ’s time on earth and the agony that He went through.

In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.

We know from Luke 22 that these prayers were accompanied by sweating blood. It was unparalleled agony because of the unparalleled cost to Him. And while God was able to save Him, He was not willing. He let Jesus, the innocent One, drink the cup of wrath that was destined to be poured out on us.

Even still, Jesus’s prayers were heard because of His reverence. He is unique in this. It doesn’t say, “Jesus’s prayers were heard because He offered a perfect bull or ram for His sins.” It doesn’t say, “Jesus’s prayers were heard because His sins were covered.” It says that Jesus was heard because of His reverence for God the Father. He perfectly feared and honored God. He was heard because He was perfect. And because He was innocent and without blemish, He was able to offer Himself as a Sacrifice for our sins.

We do not have the ability to offer up prayers to God because of our reverence. If we are placing our faith in our flesh’s ability to reverently fear God enough for our prayers to be heard, we are in a bad state and do not know God. Yet, how easy it is for us to live like this is what we believe!

So often my default is to operate under the impression that when I do good, God is happy with me and He will answer my prayers. When I mess up, God is angry and refuses to listen to me. What a rollercoaster! And what an evil lie!

This default has to be destroyed by the power of Christ crucified. Jesus didn’t die because we were mostly reverent and just needed a little boost. Jesus didn’t die to merely give us an example of love that would allow us to know God and love our neighbor. Jesus Christ came to earth and died because we were dead in our trespasses and sins, serving our own desires, and exalting ourselves above the God of the Universe. And we were hopeless to offer one nickel towards the debt that we owed God because of our sin.

He alone modeled the obedience that is required of man in order to remain in right relationship with God. His prayers were heard because He lived the life that is demanded of a holy and righteous God. And He lives to make intercession for all of those who would put their faith in Him, surrender their own lives, and live for and to the glory of God through Jesus Christ.

If we know this truth and truly know Jesus Christ, how could we possibly go through life oblivious to what God has called us to and apathetic about knowing our Lord and Savior more and more? The thought of that is lunacy! If you have been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth about what Jesus Christ has done for you and now lives to continue doing for you will radically alter every aspect of your life. Anything less than this is grounds for concern for your soul.

But fear not! The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered death. Put your trust in Jesus Christ and live. Through His reverence, your prayers are heard.