Hebrews 5:8
Verse
Context
The Perfect High Priest
7During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.9And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Though he were a Son - See the whole of the preceding note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Though He WAS (so it ought to be translated: a positive admitted fact: not a mere supposition as were would imply) God's divine Son (whence, even in His agony, He so lovingly and often cried, Father, Mat 26:39), yet He learned His (so the Greek) obedience, not from His Sonship, but from His sufferings. As the Son, He was always obedient to the Father's will; but the special obedience needed to qualify Him as our High Priest, He learned experimentally in practical suffering. Compare Phi 2:6-8, "equal with God, but . . . took upon Him the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death," &c. He was obedient already before His passion, but He stooped to a still more humiliating and trying form of obedience then. The Greek adage is, "Pathemata mathemata," "sufferings, disciplinings." Praying and obeying, as in Christ's case, ought to go hand in hand.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Though he were a Son,.... The Son of God, as the Vulgate Latin version reads; not by creation, nor by adoption, nor by office, but by nature, being the only begotten of the Father, having the same nature and perfections with him: yet learned he obedience; not to his parents, or civil magistrates, though that is true; nor merely to the precepts of the law, which he did; but unto death: through sufferings he became obedient to death, even the death of the cross: and this he learnt; not that he was ignorant of the nature of it; nor was he destitute of an obedient disposition to it; but the meaning is, he had an experience of it, and effected it; and which was voluntary, and done in our room and stead; and is the rule and the measure of our righteousness before God: and this he learned, by the things which he suffered; from men, from devils, and from the justice of God. Christ's sonship did not exempt him from obedience and sufferings; this shows the dignity of Christ's person, that he is the Son of God, not as Mediator, for as such he is a servant; and it would be no wonder that he should learn obedience as a servant; and this shows also the great humility and condescension of Christ in obeying and suffering for us; though so great a person; and likewise the vile nature of sin, and the strictness of divine justice: and we may learn from hence, not to expect to be exempted from sufferings on account of sonship; nor to conclude we are not sons, because we suffer; and that afflictions are instructive, and by them experience is learned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:8 he learned obedience from the things he suffered: Jesus was not disobedient before his suffering, but he walked his path of human experience—all the way to his death on the cross—in complete submission to the Father’s will. We are expected to travel the same path (12:1-11).
Hebrews 5:8
The Perfect High Priest
7During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.9And having been made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hearts Set on Pilgrimage
By Elisabeth Elliot4.7K41:53PilgrimageJOB 10:8PSA 77:8PSA 84:5PSA 126:5MAT 16:24ROM 8:28HEB 5:8HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it talks about not being surprised by fiery trials. As he was reading, he heard gunshots and later discovered that his entire station had been destroyed. Despite the devastation, the speaker's faith remained strong, and he received a letter from a friend assuring him that God is still in control. The speaker also mentions the importance of choosing to believe that God is God, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
Dvd 07 - Growing Unto Sonship
By Art Katz3.9K1:32:53MRK 7:32LUK 4:28ROM 8:29PHP 2:5HEB 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience and growth in grace through moral choices and obedience to God. It highlights the pattern of Jesus as a son who laid aside his deity to walk in obedience, displaying supernatural powers through the grace of the Spirit. The speaker shares personal experiences and challenges faced in obedience, urging listeners to embrace moral crises and communion with God for character formation.
Who Shall Prolong His Days?
By David Wilkerson3.7K58:32ISA 50:4ACT 8:32HEB 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming and declaring the generation of Jesus Christ. He uses the example of Philip preaching to the Ethiopian eunuch, who was confused about how a dead man could see his children and fulfill the good pleasure of his father. Philip opens the man's eyes to the scripture that says Jesus will see the travail of his soul and be satisfied. The preacher calls for repentance and a hunger for God, reminding listeners that God is faithful and can bring about instant change in their lives. He also highlights the need for prayer, intercession, fasting, and a passion for Christ.
The Cross in God's Heart
By Alan Redpath3.6K33:55God's HeartISA 49:6ISA 50:1ISA 50:5ISA 53:3MAT 11:28MRK 7:34LUK 9:41JHN 4:6HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker addresses the weariness and heartache that is prevalent in the world today. He emphasizes that God sent His Son to speak a word of comfort and encouragement to those who are weary in the battle. The speaker highlights the importance of Jesus' identification with our weariness, stating that he learned obedience through suffering and experienced every form of human exhaustion. The sermon also emphasizes the impact of sin on our relationship with God, noting that it is sin that hides the face of God from us. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the Father's commission to the Son and the Son's obedience in fulfilling the task of our salvation through his suffering and death on the cross.
(The Works of Faith) Learning to Be Content
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:01:09PSA 139:1PSA 139:13MAT 6:33ACT 17:26PHP 4:11PHP 4:19HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing suffering and obedience on earth. They warn against avoiding suffering because it can hinder opportunities for spiritual growth and education that cannot be obtained in eternity. The speaker references Philippians 4:11, where Paul states that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, whether in abundance or lack. They highlight the value of learning contentment and not complaining, even in difficult situations. The sermon also mentions Jesus as an example of learning obedience through suffering when he became a man.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 3
By T. Austin-Sparks1.4K54:35Heavenly CallingHEB 1:1HEB 2:1HEB 2:10HEB 4:12HEB 5:8HEB 12:26This sermon transcript is about the letter to the Hebrew Christians during a time of crisis when the Old Testament system was about to pass away. The letter emphasizes that God is speaking in fullness through his son, Jesus, and urges the readers to take this message seriously. The letter also highlights the different ways in which God spoke in the past, but now speaks in one way through the training of sons. The transcript emphasizes that everything in the letter is from God's standpoint and should not be viewed from a human or worldly perspective.
Sonship With the Father - Part 2
By Art Katz1.3K1:19:08SonshipPSA 8:3MAT 6:33LUK 15:11JHN 1:12ROM 8:15HEB 2:3HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the church taking responsibility for the well-being of their fellow human beings, particularly those who are marginalized and mistreated. He urges the church to assert itself and confront those in power who neglect and dehumanize others. The speaker also highlights the need for the church to remain active, alive, and dynamic, rather than becoming stagnant and complacent. He discusses the danger of halting and resting in our relationship with God, emphasizing the importance of humility, love, and active engagement. The sermon also touches on the concept of gratitude and reverence towards God, highlighting the ungrateful and disobedient nature of humanity and the need for repentance and salvation.
K-462 Jewish Resistance to the Gospel (2 of 2)
By Art Katz1.3K1:10:49JewishMAT 6:33ACT 2:37HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker describes his experience at a Yeshiva, a Jewish educational institution, where intense study of Rabbi Schneerson's teachings takes place. He emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the Scriptures, comparing the validity of Rabbi Schneerson's statements to that of Scripture itself. The speaker highlights the need for humility and dependence on God, recognizing that without Him, we are unable to acquire true knowledge or conduct ourselves according to proper principles. He also discusses the significance of the gift of the Holy Spirit in interpreting Scripture and challenges the idea of relying solely on extraneous sources, such as the interpretations of the rabbis.
Just Following Jesus (P3)
By K.P. Yohannan1.1K24:52Following JesusMAT 6:33LUK 10:27LUK 19:10JHN 13:341CO 9:22HEB 5:81JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living as Jesus lived. He references Matthew's Gospel chapter nine, highlighting Jesus' compassion for the suffering and abused. The speaker challenges the audience to have a heart that breaks for those in need, such as the people in Burma, Iraq, India, and Haiti. He also discusses Jesus' passion for the lost and shares a testimony of a film team that witnessed many people coming to Christ in a Muslim-populated area. The speaker encourages listeners to pray and actively participate in reaching the lost world.
Seeking to Know God in Prayer as Young People and Not Just Serving
By K.P. Yohannan1.0K04:09EXO 33:13PSA 25:4PRO 3:5HEB 5:8JAS 4:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of young people truly seeking God and understanding His ways before embarking on missions or ministry work. It highlights the need for a deep personal relationship with God, spending time in prayer, fasting, and meditation, rather than just pursuing pragmatic goals. The speaker warns against mistaking skills and enthusiasm for the true anointing and call of God, stressing the significance of learning obedience and embracing the cross like Jesus did, even in suffering and waiting periods.
About My Father's Business
By Steve Gallagher80646:12PSA 119:97MRK 6:3LUK 2:40JHN 9:4JHN 20:9PHP 2:8HEB 5:8This sermon delves into the childhood and developing years of Jesus, focusing on his upbringing in Nazareth, his early education in Scripture, and a significant incident in the temple at the age of 12. It highlights Jesus' humility, wisdom, and obedience to God's will, emphasizing the urgency and faith with which he approached his earthly mission. The sermon draws parallels between Jesus and other biblical figures like Moses, David, and Paul, showcasing Jesus as the perfect embodiment of meekness, passion for God, and a crucified life.
Following Christ Into the Harvest
By K.P. Yohannan78542:28PSA 73:25MAT 9:37PHP 1:5HEB 5:81JN 1:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to Jesus, following His example, and living a life dedicated to God's will. It challenges listeners to consider their commitment to Christ, the temporary nature of life, and the call to embrace the cross. The speaker shares personal stories of sacrifice and dedication to inspire a deeper walk with Jesus and a heart for missions.
The Dawn of New Blessing
By K.P. Yohannan73628:14BlessingGEN 12:2MAT 3:13HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding genuine peace and purpose in life. He highlights the sadness of lacking purpose and the temporary nature of accumulating wealth. The speaker uses the example of Jesus, who endured mockery and sacrifice throughout his life, to illustrate the concept of paying the price for blessings. He also mentions the examples of Mother Teresa and Sadhu Sundar Singh, who lived selflessly for others. The sermon concludes by urging listeners to understand that the purpose of life is not to seek personal gain, but to live for others and be a blessing to them.
Prayer Summit - Part 1 by Gerhard Dutoit
By Gerhard Du Toit69015:39EXO 29:42DAN 6:10MRK 1:35LUK 24:32EPH 6:12COL 2:9HEB 4:16HEB 5:8This sermon emphasizes the importance of developing intimacy with God through prayer, highlighting the need for a fresh and continual presence of God in our lives. It explores the examples of prayer in the Old and New Testaments, focusing on Christ's own prayer life as a model for believers. The speaker challenges the audience to engage in persistent prayer and seek a deeper connection with God, envisioning a movement of prayer in the city and encouraging active participation in prayer gatherings.
(Through the Bible) Hebrews - Part 2
By Zac Poonen60857:11HEB 4:12HEB 5:8HEB 5:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and discernment, urging believers to move beyond the basics of repentance, faith, and elementary teachings to press on towards perfection, resembling Jesus in every aspect of life. It highlights the need to exercise spiritual senses to distinguish between soulish and spiritual responses, focusing on obedience and overcoming sin through passionate pursuit of godliness.
The Sun Is Setting - Part 3
By K.P. Yohannan49613:30FellowshipJHN 12:27ROM 1:1HEB 5:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that we are living in the last days and the return of the Lord is imminent. He encourages believers to live with a sense of urgency and to be fully committed to the Lord. The speaker uses the example of the apostle Paul, who demonstrated unconditional surrender and obedience to God's will. He highlights the importance of hearing God's voice and following His direction, even if it means going against our own plans and desires.
The Training of a Disciple - Jonah - Iii
By Alan Redpath37746:51JonahMAT 6:33JHN 3:1HEB 5:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah from the Bible. He discusses the different stages of Jonah's journey as a disciple, starting with his rebellion and ending with his recommissioning by God. The preacher uses the analogy of a plane taking off to illustrate how Jonah's recommissioning represents the power of the gospel to overcome obstacles. He emphasizes the importance of Christians being signs from heaven, living lives that demand an explanation and reflect God's grace.
Priesthood: The Necessity of Suffering
By G.W. North3401:17:30SufferingHEB 1:1HEB 2:9HEB 3:1HEB 5:8HEB 7:1HEB 10:36HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the right things. He contrasts the joy that people often experience in happy meetings or material possessions with the joy that comes from seeing someone destroy their furniture. The preacher questions why people wait until something is taken away from them before realizing its value. He then discusses the example of Jesus, who remained tender and forgiving even in the face of mistreatment and crucifixion. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for believers to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live supernaturally, free from conflicts and fully immersed in God.
Call to Sonship - Heb 4_12
By Phil Beach Jr.3352:03SonshipObedience through SufferingPSA 139:23MAT 16:24JHN 15:5ROM 7:141CO 13:112CO 12:9PHP 3:10HEB 4:12HEB 5:8JAS 1:2Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the call to sonship through the lens of Hebrews 4:12, illustrating that true obedience is often learned through suffering and tears. He explains that just as Jesus learned obedience through His own struggles, believers must also confront their self-reliance and trust in God alone. The process of spiritual growth involves a willingness to accept responsibility and allow God's Word to penetrate deeply into our hearts, revealing our true motives and idols. Beach encourages Christians not to be discouraged by their struggles, as these are signs of growth and an invitation to deeper union with Christ. Ultimately, he highlights that the path of discipleship requires a commitment to deny oneself and embrace the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Learning Obedience
By Phil Beach Jr.2633:12ObedienceDependence on ChristSpiritual GrowthMAT 5:3JHN 15:5ROM 7:242CO 13:4GAL 2:20PHP 4:11COL 1:27HEB 5:8JAS 4:101PE 5:6Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound meaning of being 'poor in spirit' as a state of utter dependence on Christ, akin to a beggar who recognizes his complete lack of resources. He explains that true mourning arises from this awareness of spiritual poverty, leading to a cultivation of meekness, which is a learned response to God's authority. Beach draws parallels between the believer's journey and Adam's choice at the tree of knowledge, highlighting the importance of choosing Christ over self-reliance. He asserts that through union with Christ, believers can experience victory over sin and grow in maturity by learning to say no to their old nature and yes to the new life in Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deep reliance on God's grace to transform our hearts and minds, fostering a desire for righteousness and a rejection of sin.
What You Intended for Evil
By Shane Idleman1549:42Spiritual WarfareConfronting EvilGEN 50:20PSA 51:5ROM 3:23ROM 8:282CO 4:17EPH 2:3EPH 6:121TH 5:22HEB 5:81JN 5:19Shane Idleman emphasizes the need for Christians to confront evil in society, urging them to awaken from apathy and actively engage in spiritual warfare through prayer, worship, and the application of God's Word. He highlights the dangers of a culture that promotes anti-God agendas and the importance of standing firm in faith, even amidst suffering and challenges. Idleman draws parallels between the nature of evil and the story of Joseph, illustrating how what is intended for evil can ultimately serve a greater purpose in God's plan. He calls for a kingdom-minded approach, encouraging believers to reject complacency and actively fight against the forces of darkness.
You Must Choose
By K.P. Yohannan0Spiritual GrowthDisciplineROM 8:281CO 6:121CO 9:271CO 11:1GAL 2:20PHP 2:122TI 2:3HEB 5:8K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the necessity of choosing to die to self in order to grow spiritually, arguing that many believers seek instant victories without the commitment to discipline required for true transformation. He highlights that Jesus and the Apostle Paul exemplified a life of self-denial and obedience, urging believers to take responsibility for their spiritual growth rather than attributing their struggles to external forces. Yohannan stresses that godliness requires a deep commitment to a disciplined life, and that choices such as carrying one's cross and embracing hardships are essential for spiritual maturity. He encourages practical disciplines in daily life as foundational to becoming a Christlike individual, ultimately calling for a rejection of a lukewarm, self-serving Christianity.
It Takes Time
By K.P. Yohannan0Patience in FaithSpiritual GrowthPSA 37:5PHP 1:6PHP 2:13HEB 5:8REV 12:10K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of patience in our spiritual journey, reminding us that becoming like Christ is a gradual process that requires time and perseverance. He warns against the Enemy's accusations that lead to despair and urges believers to focus on Christ instead, who offers hope and encouragement. Yohannan highlights that attempts to achieve godliness through quick fixes or self-reliance only lead to frustration and hypocrisy. Instead, we should trust in God's promise to complete His work in us, just as Jesus exemplified through His own journey of obedience. Ultimately, we are called to commit our ways to the Lord and trust in His timing and process.
One Step at a Time
By K.P. Yohannan0ObedienceSpiritual GrowthLUK 2:52HEB 5:8JAS 1:2K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of patience and growth in our spiritual journey, drawing parallels between Christ's gradual preparation for His ministry and our own development. He reflects on how Jesus waited until the age of 30 to begin His public ministry, highlighting that this time was necessary for Him to learn obedience and prepare for His ultimate sacrifice. Just as students progress through grades, we too must grow step by step in our faith and obedience to God. Yohannan encourages believers to trust that God provides opportunities for growth at each stage of life, leading us to a place of complete surrender. Ultimately, the sermon reminds us that our spiritual maturity is a process that requires time and commitment.
Perfect in All the Will of God
By Andrew Murray0ObedienceDivine WillMAT 6:10ROM 12:2COL 3:23HEB 5:8Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound concept of being 'Perfect in all the will of God,' which connects our heavenly aspirations with our earthly lives. He explains that true perfection lies in aligning our will with that of the Creator, as seen in nature and the obedience of angels. The ultimate example is Jesus, who achieved perfection through obedience and submission to God's will, leading to true rest and fulfillment. This call to live under God's rule challenges us to obey Him in every aspect of our lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Though he were a Son - See the whole of the preceding note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Though He WAS (so it ought to be translated: a positive admitted fact: not a mere supposition as were would imply) God's divine Son (whence, even in His agony, He so lovingly and often cried, Father, Mat 26:39), yet He learned His (so the Greek) obedience, not from His Sonship, but from His sufferings. As the Son, He was always obedient to the Father's will; but the special obedience needed to qualify Him as our High Priest, He learned experimentally in practical suffering. Compare Phi 2:6-8, "equal with God, but . . . took upon Him the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death," &c. He was obedient already before His passion, but He stooped to a still more humiliating and trying form of obedience then. The Greek adage is, "Pathemata mathemata," "sufferings, disciplinings." Praying and obeying, as in Christ's case, ought to go hand in hand.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Though he were a Son,.... The Son of God, as the Vulgate Latin version reads; not by creation, nor by adoption, nor by office, but by nature, being the only begotten of the Father, having the same nature and perfections with him: yet learned he obedience; not to his parents, or civil magistrates, though that is true; nor merely to the precepts of the law, which he did; but unto death: through sufferings he became obedient to death, even the death of the cross: and this he learnt; not that he was ignorant of the nature of it; nor was he destitute of an obedient disposition to it; but the meaning is, he had an experience of it, and effected it; and which was voluntary, and done in our room and stead; and is the rule and the measure of our righteousness before God: and this he learned, by the things which he suffered; from men, from devils, and from the justice of God. Christ's sonship did not exempt him from obedience and sufferings; this shows the dignity of Christ's person, that he is the Son of God, not as Mediator, for as such he is a servant; and it would be no wonder that he should learn obedience as a servant; and this shows also the great humility and condescension of Christ in obeying and suffering for us; though so great a person; and likewise the vile nature of sin, and the strictness of divine justice: and we may learn from hence, not to expect to be exempted from sufferings on account of sonship; nor to conclude we are not sons, because we suffer; and that afflictions are instructive, and by them experience is learned.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:8 he learned obedience from the things he suffered: Jesus was not disobedient before his suffering, but he walked his path of human experience—all the way to his death on the cross—in complete submission to the Father’s will. We are expected to travel the same path (12:1-11).