Hebrews 5:7–8 (NIV)

“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears… and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”

Reflection:

Christ did not walk untouched by temptation. In His full humanity, He assumed all our frailties, yet without sin. He struggled forward, as the Greek word proekopten suggests—casting blows against the flesh, fighting the pulls we know all too well. The incarnate Son felt weakness, sorrow, and tears, not as distant observations, but lived experiences.

This matters deeply: because He assumed all, He redeems all. And now, He stands as our High Priest—not just with divine authority, but with human empathy. In every trial and every tear, we are not alone. Jesus has cried those tears. Jesus has prayed those prayers.

He didn’t come to observe us—He came to join us, to lift our brokenness and offer full restoration.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

Thank You for entering fully into our humanity, for walking through temptation and pain with unwavering obedience. When we feel overwhelmed by weakness, remind us of Your strength and Your understanding. You know our cries, because You’ve cried them. Help us to lean into Your grace and trust that our redemption is secured by Your love, today, tomorrow and forevermore.

Amen.

Todd Crouch, Pastor of Topinabee Community Church and former host of The Fountain of Life radio broadcast, holds a Fourth Degree Black Belt and teaches with Moke’s Martial Arts. He studied theology at Grace Communion Seminary and enjoys church history, Civil War studies, and Scottish heritage. He and his wife live in Michigan’s Straits Area, where they love beachside walks and travel. Explore more of Todd’s work on his website.