Learning with Jesus

The Holy Spirit brought to my mind Jesus' crucifixion this morning. While I was studying for Sunday's message my mind kept returning to Hebrews 5:7-8, "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. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he has suffered." As I read these words various Scriptures popped into my mind.

I could see Jesus on the cross and the words of Psalm 22 began to echo in my mind. I could hear Jesus cry, "My heart is like wax; it is melting in my breast" (Ps 22:6). I began to think about the brutality of the cross and Isaiah 52:13-53:12 came to mind. I am still struggling to imagine what it means by "his appearance was so marred, beyond human semblance, and his form beyond that of the children of mankind" (Isa. 52:14).

Then as my thoughts drifted back to Hebrews 5:7-8, it was like I was transported back into the Garden of Gethsemane. The expression "in the days of his flesh" refers to Jesus' earthly ministry. The scene painted in these verse likely refers to Gethsemane. John 17, the great high priestly prayer of Jesus, came to mind. As I read through that passage I was reminded of Jesus' unwavering confidence that he had and would continue to fulfill the will of God. He prayed that his glory would be restored because he had accomplished the task set out for him. He also prayed that the Father would preserve his followers through the power of his name. John tells us that when Jesus finished this prayer he entered into the Garden.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe the events that would transpire in Gethsemane. They tell us that Jesus informed his disciples that his spirit was sorrowful unto death. It seems that he felt the weight of this "cup" would crush him. Mark informs us that he fell on the ground and prayed, "Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me Yet not as I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36; see 14:32-42). Matthew adds, "My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done" (Matt 26:42; see 26:36-46). Luke tells us that an angel came and strengthened Jesus and that in his agony Jesus' sweat became blood (see Luke 22:39-46).

These images from the Gospels make us think of one who is praying "with loud cries and tears." And we know that the Father did hear him and rescued him from death--on the third day. We are fortunate that God did not let that cup pass, because if he had mankind would be lost with out help or hope.

Verse 8 shouldn't give us trouble. I know I have often scratched my head at the thought of Jesus "learning." However, this isn't the first place in Scriptures that informs us that Jesus learned. Luke states, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52). As Baptists we agree with the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) which stated:

Therefore, following the holy fathers, we all with one accord teach men to acknowledge one and the same Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, at once complete in Godhead and complete in manhood, truly God and truly man, consisting also of a reasonable soul and body; of one substance with the Father as regards his Godhead, and at the same time of one substance with us as regards his manhood; like us in all respects, apart from sin; as regards his Godhead, begotten of the Father before the ages, but yet as regards his manhood begotten, of us men and for our salvation, of Mary the Virgin, the God-bearer; one and the same Christ, Son, Lord, Only-begotten, recognized in two natures, without confusion, without change, without division, without separation; the distinction of natures being in no way annulled by the union, but rather the characteristics of each nature being preserved and coming together to form one person and subsistence, not as parted or separated into two persons, but one and the same Son and Only-begotten God the Word, Lord Jesus Christ; even as the prophets from earliest times spoke of him, and our Lord Jesus Christ himself taught us, and the creed of the fathers has handed down to us.

That is to say we believe that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man. He is the God-Man--two natures, 1 person. It shouldn't trouble us that the Bible portrays Jesus having knowledge of even the secret thoughts of men, and yet "learning" something. It is part of the divine mystery. Scripture teach us everything we need to know and believe, not everything there is to know. We must be careful to hold the proper tension. Jesus isn't a hybrid, nor is he two persons.

Having made those clarifications we need to make sure we understand verse 8 correctly. Verse 8 states, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered." We cannot interpret this verse to mean that prior to suffering Jesus wasn't obedient. The author of Hebrews excludes that possibility when he states that Jesus was without sin (4:15). What I think the author is trying to say is that demonstrated his complete obedience to the Father by suffering on our behalf.

My mind is driven back to Jesus parable about the two sons. The father had asked both of his sons to work in his field. The first one declined, but later repented and went and did the work. The second one said he would do it, but never showed up. It appears that in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is tempted to decline the task ("If it is possible let this cup pass") but instead of declining he willingly accepts the cup. He not only accepts the cup in word, but in deed, receiving in his flesh the full wrath of God. The author can say Jesus "learned obedience" because he remained obedient in spite of suffering. As the obedient Son, he stands as a reminder to us his brothers, that we to must learn obedience--true, unwavering obedience--through obedience.