Submitted by Visitor (not verified) on Mon, 07/12/2009 – 14:06
Bible Book: Hebrews / Hebreers
Chapter: 5
Verse: 5 – 10
Text: Hebrews 5:5-10

Within the space of ten verses the author of the letter to the Hebrews twice refers to the fact that Christ is human: “… but we have one who has been tempted in every way” (4;15b) and: “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death …”(5:7). These images are even more striking when we remember that this letter describes Jesus Christ as the perfect high priest. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he has provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (1:3).

There is so much comfort in knowing this! Christ, our High Priest, is perfect. He is with God and is interceding for us. AND he knows and understands us. He is able to sympathise with our weaknesses (comp 4:15a). And when we give expression to our suffering or pain with prayer and supplication, with loud cries and tears, he will be merciful.

When we add the fact that the fifth Sunday in Lent (also known as Judica) invites us to pray with Ps 43, “Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause …” (verse 1a), it becomes clear that we may cry our to God about our pain and suffering. Jesus Christ is holding out his pierced hands to all who are hurting and suffering.

In the midst of the AIDS pandemic we know that many of those who are in pain are the ones living with HIV or being directly affected by it.

What does the church do?

Author: N du Toit (Ds)
Language: English