2057 Jesus Christ, obedience of

The selfless obedience of Jesus Christ to the will of God his Father, through which the redemption of humanity is accomplished. Christ also shows himself willing to submit to earthly authorities and sets an example which believers are called to imitate.

Jesus Christ was totally obedient to his Father’s will

Obedience was central to Jesus Christ’s life and thought Jn 4:34; Heb 10:9 See also Mt 3:15; Mt 8:9-10 pp Lk 7:8-9; Jn 5:30; Jn 6:38; Jn 14:31; Heb 10:7; Ps 40:7-8

Jesus Christ’s obedience meant ultimate personal cost Mt 26:39 pp Mk 14:36 pp Lk 22:42 Php 2:8 See also Isa 50:5-6; Isa 53:10-12; Mt 16:21 pp Mk 8:31 pp Lk 9:22; Jn 10:18; Jn 13:1; Heb 5:8

Jesus Christ’s obedience was necessary for God’s salvation plan Ro 5:18-19 See also Mt 27:40-42 pp Mk 15:30-31 pp Lk 23:35-37; Lk 24:26; Jn 17:2-4,26; Jn 19:30

Jesus Christ’s obedience was shown in his human relationships

He was obedient to his parents Lk 2:51

He was obedient to secular authorities See also Mt 17:24-27; Mt 22:17-21 pp Mk 12:15-17 pp Lk 20:22-25

He was obedient to the Jewish law Mt 5:17-18; Mt 22:37-40 pp Mk 12:29-31 pp Lk 10:26-28; Mk 2:23-28; Jn 7:19; Jn 10:37-38 Jesus Christ’s obedience and commitment were to the spirit of God’s law; his attitudes to Jewish legalism were often seen as disobedience. Disputes over the Sabbath are one example.

Believers should follow Jesus Christ’s example of obedience

Obedience to God’s will is paramount Mt 19:17 See also Mt 7:21; Mt 12:50 pp Mk 3:35 pp Lk 8:21; Jn 15:10; Eph 6:6

Christlike obedience expresses love for God 2Jn 6 See also Jn 14:15,20-21; Jn 15:12

Obedience should characterise believers’lives Ro 1:5 “obedience” refers to a whole lifestyle arising from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. See also Ac 5:29; 2Co 2:9

See also