How can we apply Jesus' example of "loud cries and tears" in trials? Jesus’ Honest Expression of Suffering Matters Hebrews 5:7 tells us, “During the days of His flesh, Jesus 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.” He did not hide anguish; He let it be heard. Because Scripture records this historical moment accurately, we can trust that God intends it as an example for us. What “Loud Cries and Tears” Reveal • They demonstrate full dependence on the Father—not self-reliance. • They model authenticity; God values truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). • They show holy reverence. Though emotional, Jesus remained worshipful, not rebellious. • They remind us that deep feeling is not faithlessness. His cries flowed from perfect obedience. Practical Ways to Follow His Example 1. Speak honestly to God. • Psalm 62:8: “Pour out your hearts before Him.” • Tell Him exactly how the trial feels—no editing. 2. Engage your whole being in prayer. • Kneel, lie prostrate, or lift hands as Jesus did in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39). • Tears are not weakness; they are accepted worship. 3. Combine emotion with submission. • “Yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39) keeps lament from drifting into complaint. 4. Persist until peace comes. • Luke 22:44 notes Jesus prayed “more earnestly.” Repetition is not lack of faith; it is perseverance. 5. Invite trusted believers to stay near. • Jesus asked Peter, James, and John to watch with Him (Matthew 26:37-38). Fellowship supports endurance. Scripture Connections That Encourage Authentic Lament • Psalm 34:17 – “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears.” • Psalm 56:8 – “You have collected all my tears in Your bottle.” • 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” • Romans 8:26 – The Spirit intercedes “with groans too deep for words.” These passages affirm that God welcomes raw, audible sorrow. When Our Cries Are Heard Hebrews 5:7 states the Father “heard” Jesus. The answer was not escape from the cross but resurrection through it. Likewise: • God may deliver from trials or sustain through them. • His hearing always guarantees purposeful outcome (Romans 8:28). • Peace replaces panic (Philippians 4:6-7) even before circumstances change. Living the Lesson This Week • Set aside an undistracted hour. Speak or write prayers until words exhaust and tears flow if they come. • Read Psalm 22, 42, and 116 aloud—joining biblical voices of lament. • Share one specific burden with a mature believer and pray together out loud. • Each morning, release anxieties to God by name, ending with, “Your will be done.” As Jesus modeled, loud cries offered reverently become pathways to deeper trust and victorious endurance. |
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