Personal Obedience

Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me–nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.

Luke 22:42 (CSB)

We are called to serve the Lord in obedience. Christ exemplified this expectation of the Lord for His children by practicing perfect, complete, and faithful obedience to the Father while fulfilling His mission and task here on earth. In Luke 22:42, Jesus asked the Lord about changing the plan concerning the upcoming crucifixion but ultimately surrendered to the Father’s plan and will.

HE OBEYED THE WORD

Jesus knew Scripture completely. On numerous occasions, people in the world attempted to trap Jesus by claiming He was breaking the Law. Yet, Jesus was without sin and never broke the Law; He kept it perfectly.

Observing the Law demonstrated obedience to Scripture. Jesus lived a life of obedience, and His example teaches us the necessity of seeking to live in obedience to the Word as well.

HE FULFILLED THE WILL

Jesus surrendered His life to the will of the Father and was entirely committed to His plans. In the garden, Jesus prayed for God's will to change so He would not have to face the intense suffering of the cross. Yet, He understood that God's will and plan must be fulfilled regardless of His feelings about the impending moment. Jesus made this request perfectly and without sin, demonstrating the vital truth that we can approach God’s throne to ask for our desires, provided we do so with a heart of obedience

to the Lord, even when His will differs from ours.

HE WALKED THE WAY

Jesus did not offer mere lip service to the Father but walked in faithfulness. He demonstrated the importance of applying the knowledge of Scripture and following the Lord's guidance. Jesus obeyed and followed perfectly.

When we examine the life of Christ, we must acknowledge that it is not enough to simply know the truth or feel the leading of the Lord; we must actively walk in His ways.

QUESTIONS

1. How would you describe the act of obedience as an act of worship?

2. Why is it important to obey and not merely know the Word?