Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 5:5-10 on biblegateway.com
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
One of my favorite Sunday school activities is for children to go all around the church and see how many crosses they can find. I give them a clipboard to draw what they see and let them loose to see what they can find. They see the obvious ones first—in our sanctuary, on a Bible and in pictures. But then they dig deeper, looking at windows and ceiling tiles, designs on the carpet and on each other's clothes to find the shape of a cross. I always walk away blessed by their reminder that the cross truly is everywhere. The cross is a visible reminder of the sacrifice Jesus made for you and me.
When is the last time you looked for Jesus? Jesus, though he was a son, learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him (Hebrews 5:8-9). The cross reminds us that Jesus has and will always be present in our lives. Take a moment today and look for the crosses around you. God has given us the gift of Jesus to be with all people.
Prayer
O God, we give you thanks that through your son, Jesus Christ, we have eternal life. Open our eyes to see you work around us each and every day. Amen.