A Heard Prayer Answered “No”

In Gethsemane the night’s dread of the morning’s crucifixion weighed heavily on Jesus. The Book of Hebrews supplements the gospel accounts by noting his tears and audible crying (5:7). That evening’s burden anticipated the next morning’s pain.

Hebrews also adds the striking point that Jesus “was heard because of his godly fear” (5:7). His being “heard” refers to his prayer for deliverance from death! The comment highlights a distinction between the Father’s hearing a request and his granting it, between acknowledging its legitimacy and overriding it with an even greater concern.

The Father subordinated his love for his Son to his love for us, who were not yet his sons (Romans 5:8). Such a choice puts in high relief the attitude God takes toward human value. The Son’s submission to the Father’s choice also demonstrates the Son’s concern for us.

So we remember that God values us that much who assemble here today and calls us to conduct ourselves accordingly.