Hebrews 5:7 – “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse gives us a window into Jesus’ humanity-how He lived, prayed, and suffered while He was here on earth. It tells us that Jesus didn’t go through life untouched by pain or untouched by emotion. He prayed with intensity-“cries and tears”-to God the Father, asking for help. This wasn’t casual prayer. It was deep, desperate, heartfelt.
The phrase “to the one who could save him from death” shows us that Jesus knew God had the power to rescue Him. But even more important is how the verse ends: “he was heard because of his reverent submission.” Jesus didn’t demand His way. He trusted the Father and submitted to His will, even though it meant suffering and death. And in that submission, His prayers were heard-not necessarily by being spared from death, but by being brought through it in victory.
Historical Context
In the Garden of Gethsemane, right before Jesus was arrested, He prayed with such anguish that His sweat became like drops of blood (Luke 22:44). He cried out to the Father, “If it is possible, take this cup from me. Yet not my will, but yours be done.” That’s the moment this verse is most likely pointing to.
Jesus was fully human as well as fully God. He experienced fear, sorrow, and physical pain. But He didn’t run from it. He brought it all to the Father in prayer. And through His obedience, even unto death, God answered-by raising Him from the dead and giving Him victory over sin and death.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that Jesus understands our deepest pain and suffering. He didn’t skip the hard parts of life. He walked through them fully. It also teaches us what true obedience looks like-trusting God, even when the answer to prayer doesn’t come the way we might want.
It also shows us that being heard by God doesn’t always mean being delivered from suffering. Sometimes, it means being given strength to endure, and being raised up on the other side. Jesus submitted Himself to the Father’s will-and in doing so, He fulfilled the mission He came to complete.
Literary Analysis
The verse is rich with emotion and structure. The phrase “offered up prayers and petitions” speaks to ongoing, intense communication with God. “Fervent cries and tears” emphasizes His real humanity. These aren’t distant or poetic words-they are raw and real.
The second part of the verse, “he was heard because of his reverent submission,” offers a shift. It turns from His pain to His response-He didn’t rebel or resist. He honored God’s will above His own. The word “reverent” here speaks of a deep respect and awe before God, and “submission” shows His willingness to obey, no matter the cost.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Luke 22:41-44 – Jesus prays in Gethsemane, overwhelmed with sorrow and agony.
- Matthew 26:39 – “Not as I will, but as you will.”
- Philippians 2:8-9 – Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross, and God exalted Him.
- Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy of the suffering servant who would bear our griefs.
- John 11:41-42 – Jesus says, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse encourages believers to bring their deepest pain and struggles to God in prayer. Jesus did-and He wasn’t ashamed to cry out with tears. It reminds us that there’s no shame in suffering, in grief, or in asking God for help. Jesus did all of that-and He was perfect.
It also reminds us that being heard by God doesn’t always mean our situation changes right away. But it does mean God is listening, God is present, and God will respond in His perfect way. And if we follow Jesus’ example of reverent submission, we too can walk through suffering with trust, knowing God is working in it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows a God who listens to the cries of His Son-not a distant or uncaring deity, but a Father who receives our pain and hears us in our worst moments. Even when His answer involves waiting or suffering, His love never fails. He was with Jesus in the garden, at the cross, and in the resurrection. And He is with us too.
God’s love isn’t proven by keeping us from pain. It’s shown by staying with us through it, carrying us when we are too weak, and raising us up when we’ve reached the end of ourselves.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse brings us face to face with the suffering Savior. Jesus didn’t just teach about prayer-He lived it. He didn’t just talk about trusting the Father-He showed it. And in doing so, He made a way for us to follow. He is not only our Savior but also our example in how to pray, how to trust, and how to walk through suffering.
- Hebrews 4:15-16 – Jesus understands our weaknesses and invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace.
- Hebrews 12:2-3 – Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him and is now seated at the right hand of God.
- Romans 8:34 – Jesus is now at the right hand of God interceding for us.
Through His cries and tears, Jesus brought about our salvation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about how Jesus dealt with suffering?
- Have you ever cried out to God like Jesus did? What was that experience like?
- How does Jesus’ submission to God’s will challenge your own view of obedience?
- What comfort does it bring to know that Jesus was heard-even when He still went to the cross?
- How can this verse help you or someone you know walk through pain or unanswered prayers?