Reverent Submission

"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 (NIV)

Jesus was unlike any other high priest. While earthly priests were chosen from among men and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus—the perfect, sinless Son—became both priest and sacrifice. His priesthood was not based on lineage but on divine appointment, and his role was far more profound: he bore humanity’s weight, interceding not just with words but with his very life.

Today’s verse illustrates Jesus praying with loud cries and tears. This reminds us of his anguish in Gethsemane, where he prayed for the cup to pass but surrendered his life, saying, "Not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42).

This submission wasn’t a passive resignation—it was an active trust in the Father. Though he was heard, salvation came through suffering, not around it. In his obedience, Jesus didn’t seek comfort; he sought the Father’s will, demonstrating faith that was deeper than fear.

Church history gives us another example of wrestling with submission—Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD), one of the most influential Christian thinkers in history. His writings shaped much of Western theology, but a deep struggle between self-will and surrender to God marked his early life. He famously prayed, "Lord, make me chaste—but not yet!" (Augustine, 1997, Book 8, Chapter 7), revealing his hesitation to submit to God’s will fully. Over time, Augustine came to realize that true freedom came not from resisting God, but from yielding to Him. His transformation mirrors Jesus’ reverent submission—learning that trust in God's will is greater than fear of the unknown.

Jesus models a faith that doesn’t demand answers but surrenders to God's plan. When trials come, we often ask, “Why, Lord?” But Hebrews teaches us that being heard by God doesn’t always mean being spared from hardship—sometimes, it means being strengthened through it.

Like Jesus, we are called to pray honestly — with fervent cries and tears — yet submit reverently, trusting that God is present in the process. Whether we face uncertainty, loss, or struggles, Jesus' submission reminds us that God’s will is trustworthy, even when it is difficult to comprehend.

Jesus’ reverent submission teaches us that trusting God isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about surrendering in faith, even when the path is unclear. Today, take a moment to pray as Jesus did—with openness and honesty. Ask yourself: Where in my life do I need to release control and trust God’s will more deeply? Then, take one step of faith toward that surrender.

Lord, we come before you in reverent submission, just as Christ did. In our moments of uncertainty and suffering, teach us to trust your will, even when we don’t understand. Strengthen us to pray boldly, but surrender completely, knowing with confidence that you hear us and that your purposes are good. May our lives reflect Christ’s obedience, and may we walk faithfully, knowing we are held in your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

Augustine of Hippo. (1997). Confessions (J. G. Pilkington, Trans.). Christian Classics Ethereal Library. Retrieved from https://ccel.org/ccel/augustine/confess.ix.vii.html