Hebrews 5:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 5:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 5Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Verse 2He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; Verse 3and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. Verse 4And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. Verse 5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; Verse 6as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." Verse 7In the days of his flesh, 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. Verse 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; Verse 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Verse 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Devotion
‘In the days of his flesh...’
A pig and a chicken were discussing their contributions to society. The chicken said, "Look at how much we are involved in their world; check out the sign over there, Ham and Eggs,$2.99." To that comment the pig replied, "You chickens may be involved, but we pigs are committed!"
A popular song from a few years ago asked the question, "What if God was one of us?" By taking on our flesh through Jesus, God did become one of us! Our reading from Hebrews reminds us that Jesus was totally committed to the world, and not just involved.
A young girl with insomnia asked her mother to come and tuck her in for the hundredth time. Her mother replied, "Honey, you go to bed now...besides, God is there with you." The girl replied, "But I want someone with skin on!" Jesus is God with skin on.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being one of us, for praying for us, for suffering and dying for us. May we always remember what you have done for us in the past and what you are doing for us now. In your name we pray, Amen.