Tue 3 Mar, 2009
“The very book in the Bible [Hebrews] that says Christ “learned obedience” through suffering, and that he was “made perfect” through suffering, also says that he was “without sin.” This is the consistent teaching of the Bible. Christ was sinless. Although he was the divine Son of God, he was really human, with all our temptations and appetites and physical weaknesses. There was hunger (Matthew 21:18) and anger and grief (Mark 3:5) and pain (Matthew 17:12). But his heart was perfectly in love with God, and he acted consistently with that love. Therefore, when the Bible says that Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered,” it doesn’t mean that he learned to stop disobeying. It means that with each new trial he learned in practice—and in pain—what it means to obey. When it says that he was “made perfect through suffering,” it doesn’t mean that he was gradually getting rid of defects. It means that he was gradually fulfilling the perfect righteousness that he had to have in order to save us.”
Reflecting on this gives me great hope for two reasons. First, I know that Jesus was not an emotionless divine robot. He experienced humanity in all aspects but did not sin. What this means is that he felt what I do and what you do but he overcame the sinful desires and responses that plague each of us. Thus I have a savior who knows and relates to me.
Secondly, I know that by his perfect obedience to each command and desire of God, he earned the righteousness that was required to complete his saving transaction for sinners on the cross. It’s one thing to be forgiven, it’s another thing to be made perfect. Our salvation requires both forgiveness and perfect righteousness. Jesus life of perfect submission to God earned that righteousness that was transferred to those who would accept Jesus by faith.
Questions. Have you thought about the fact that Jesus felt life in the same way we do? Have you ever considered that Jesus life on earth was just as important as his death? Did you realize that Jesus not only died for sinners but lived for them as well?
For more information why forgiveness of sin is not enough to save us, see Jerry Bridges book, “The Great Exchange”
Quote from “The 50 Reasons Jesus Came to Die”. Bracketed text and emphasis, mine
Picture – The cross at Mount Erebus, Antarctica, commemorating the 1979 Air New Zealand Crash near Mount Erebus.
makarios says:
Too bad we find it so difficult to remember that suffering and hardship are meant to bring about outstanding growth in Christ-like-character.