Devotional
Jesus’ Reverent Prayer in Hebrews 5:7: A Model of Christian Surrender, Hope, and Faith in Suffering
In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence” (Heb 5:7)
Feb 11, 2025By Paulson Pulikottil
The writer of the Book of Hebrews uses Jesus as a model for Christian life and faith. He is a model for suffering, love, mercy, and, above all, prayer.
It is surprising to note that Jesus, being God, prayed. Yes, he did, and he spent hours in prayer in his incarnation as a human being. The New Testament records most of Jesus’ prayers to remind us of the importance of prayer in the Christian life.
Jesus fasted and prayed for forty days and nights in the wilderness. Before choosing the twelve disciples, Jesus spent the night praying (Luke 6:12). Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). Jesus took Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray (Luke 9:28). Jesus’ heartfelt prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:40-44) stands as one of His most desperate moments. There are many other instances of Jesus praying.
This reference records that Jesus prayed with intense emotions expressed through loud cries and tears. It also adds that he prayed with reverence. The writer of the Book of Hebrews highlights this new angle in Jesus’ prayer—praying out of reverence to God.
“Reverence” means devout; it symbolises the commitment and hope that characterised Simeon, who was waiting for the Messiah. “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him” (Luke 2:25).
Just as Simeon spent his days waiting for the arrival of the promised Messiah during his lifetime, Jesus prayed to God to deliver him from death. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). But that part of the prayer to avoid death was not answered; he had to die. But Father God responded to his prayer by raising him from the dead on the third day.
Jesus’ prayer was filled with hope, surrender to God’s will, and hope in God’s love and power. The model of prayer that the writer highlights calls us to pray fully, fully surrendering to God’s will and hoping in his power and love.
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