Hebrews 5:8–9

Memory Verse

Though he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. And having been brought to maturity, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8–9).

The Son of Man suffered many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests, and scribes of Israel (Luke 9:22). This suffering was necessary so that He could be raised from the dead, just as Scripture stated would happen (Acts 17:1–2).

Furthermore, His suffering, being tempted in all things just as we are tempted, made it possible for Him to be a faithful and merciful High Priest who is able to aid us when we are tempted (Hebrews 2:18).

In light of this, He obediently suffered these things, fulfilling the desirous will of God the Father over his own, learning obedience. Having entrusted himself to God, worshiping and supplicating in the days of his flesh, God the Father saved him from death by raising him from the dead so that he could die no more (Hebrews 5:7; Romans 6:10; Luke 22:42).

As a result, it is granted to us, who belong to Christ, to not only believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Philippians 1:29). The suffering that we endure for doing righteousness is an aspect of God’s grace, for we are not of ourselves worthy of suffering in this manner, but God gives us this benefit in Christ (1 Peter 2:19—“commendable” is the Greek word “grace”).