July 2, 2021
Scripture: Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. Hebrews 5:8 ESV
Observation: This insight from the author of Hebrews corroborates with Luke’s account of the twelve-year-old Jesus who submitted to his parents and hence increased in wisdom and stature, as well as in favor with his heavenly Father (Luke 2:51-52). Because he is the Son of God and never sinned, we can wrongly assume that Jesus did not need to mature in obedience. But both Luke and the author of Hebrews remind us that he was also fully human and had to learn obedience just as all of us.
Takeaway: Three points. First, our learning curves do not necessarily indicate that we have sinned. We would do well to refrain from self-deprecation when we fail in life’s lessons. It’s part of the process—let grace abound. Secondly, our best teacher is suffering. If we persevere through suffering while seeking what God is trying to teach us, we can avoid the merry-go-round of repeating history. Lastly, the One who suffered has given us his Spirit of Truth who will mature us in obedience. We do not need to strive (it’s counter-productive). Rather, we can rest with the assurance that our Counselor has it all under control.
Prayer: Father God, grant us the grace to persevere suffering and cooperate with your Holy Spirit as he matures us in obedience to you. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling