Reading: Hebrews 5:5-10
Scripture: “..,and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,” (Hebrews 5:9)
Reflection: The writer of the book of Hebrews spent some time discussing the attributes of Jesus the Christ. Jesus was fully human, so he is able to understand our weaknesses and temptations. Jesus is called to the office of High Priest, and ultimately makes the greatest sacrifice anyone could make – His own life – for the forgiveness of the sins of mankind.
Jesus never exalts Himself. He is humble and obedient to His Father, whom He knows. He knows the way of God and confidently, though sometimes painfully, walks it. In His interactions with people, especially the outcasts and marginalized, Jesus is calm and full of compassion but is sufficiently enraged to confront unjust authority or when the temple is desecrated.
Jesus’ focus remained constant, bringing light to the people and, throughout His ministry, He sacrificed Himself to bring that light – by His crucifixion. It must have been difficult, hard even, as we note that Jesus, “offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.” Luke records it clearly in Luke Chapter 22: “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from me…”
This acknowledgment makes His sacrifice all the more compelling. As a Son, Jesus has all access to what belongs to God, including the power to save Himself. Yet, being the obedient son – and aware that His father had appointed Him to be the ultimate High Priest for all humankind, He submitted to the will of God and to the demands of His priestly office. As beneficiaries of His obedience, it behoves us to also make the sacrifice by our commitment to live our lives to honour His sacrifice.
Meditation: Could He have done any more for us?
Prayer: Jehovah Mekoddishkem, the Lord Who Sanctifies, we thank You for Your sacrifice, and offer our own sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Grant that by the merits and death of Jesus Christ, and through faith in His blood, we and Your whole Church may obtain remission of our sins and all other benefits of His passion. Amen (adapted from Eucharistic Prayer D, CPWI, The Book of Common Prayer)
The St. Jude’s Writers
St. Jude’s Church
Stony Hill
Anglican Diocese of Jamaica and The Cayman Islands
24 March 2021
