“Though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8)  

This morning’s Scripture challenges false views of the incarnation of Christ. We learned earlier that Christ “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). This morning we learn that Christ was made perfect through suffering. This raises a few questions that are answered by the Albert Barnes (1798-1870) commentary on Hebrews 5:8. 

 The writer of Hebrews told us Christ was “tempted in all points as we are” to assure us that since Christ is able to “sympathize with our weaknesses”, we are encouraged to “come boldly to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:14-16). Now, the same writer tells us “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” to assure us that, “having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9). The stipulation, “to all who obey Him” gives us the reason the writer wants us to know Christ learned obedience. “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). 

 If Christ was made perfect through patiently submitting to the Lordship of His Father, we who are far from being perfect must expect to patiently submit to the Lordship of Christ. Christ warned His disciples, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me” (John 12:26), and let him “take up his cross” (Matthew 16:24). “We suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:17). “Not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29). “Always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body” (2 Corinthians 4:10). 

 One of the early martyrs said, "I can bear it all, for Jesus suffered, and He suffers in me now; He sympathizes with me, and this makes me strong." Believer, lay hold of this thought in all times of agony. Let the thought of Jesus strengthen you as you follow in His steps.