And, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. (Heb. 5:9)

Children often ask why. Why does the sun only shine during the day? Why do the birds always fly away when I chase them? Why do dogs bark and cats meow? When my youngest son was at his most inquisitive, he had a pressing question one day after Sunday school: Why did Jesus have to die? This question is common for children who grow up in the church and see the lovable character of Jesus who fed the hungry, welcomed the little children, and healed the sick eventually end up on a cross. It is quite startling to their young minds.

It was also startling to the first disciples of Jesus. At first, they did not understand why Jesus, the Messiah, had to die. They had many questions. But eventually they came to understand the point the author of Hebrews is making here. In his death, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey. Jesus is not only our High Priest; he is also the sacrificial lamb whose death makes us clean.

Knowing why Jesus had to die is only half of the issue. Following Jesus in obedience is the next step. Do you believe that Jesus is the Great High Priest and the Lamb? Do you believe that Jesus is the source of your salvation? Now follow his example of obedience.

Follow Jesus with obedience not just words.

Mark Moore is the spiritual formation pastor at Faith Legacy Church in Sacramento, California, and an auxiliary professor of theology at William Jessup University.

© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.