“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he 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 reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”
Hebrews 5:7-9
Although Jesus wept and cried loudly, wrestled and struggled, He obeyed. In fact, He learned obedience from what He suffered. Whether or not obedience came naturally (or supernaturally) to Him is for theologians to argue; what is important to note is that our Lord submitted Himself to the school of obedience.
When we become Christians, God enrolls us in the same school. The trouble is, we want to have our cake and eat it, too. Like the person who enjoys the weather of Florida but has a terrific scholarship to a university in New England, we all face the crisis of having to decide between two worlds when we would dearly love to live in both.
That’s why obedience must be learned. If Jesus was schooled in obedience from what He suffered, shall the servant be greater than his Master? At times we may be like the young boy who, when disciplined by his father, complains, “He’s making me suffer because he doesn’t want me having any fun!” Actually, what God is doing is getting our minds off the toys and games of this world and teaching us tough obedience in preparation for the next.
Avoid all appearances of evil. Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth. Count others better than yourself. Forgive seventy times seven. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. In everything give thanks.
Lord, thank You for setting an example of obedience. Help me to see that obeying You is not following a list of do’s and don’ts, but of following … You.
