Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  2000 Jesus Christ  »  2003 Jesus Christ, qualities of  »  2006 God, the Son  »  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

John 4:34; Hebrews 10:9 See also Matthew 3:15; Matthew 8:9-10 pp Luke 7:8-9; John 5:30; John 6:38; John 14:31; Hebrews 10:7; Psalm 40:7-8

Jesus Christ's obedience meant ultimate personal cost

Matthew 26:39 pp Mark 14:36 pp Luke 22:42 Philippians 2:8 See also Isaiah 50:5-6; Isaiah 53:10-12; Matthew 16:21 pp Mark 8:31 pp Luke 9:22; John 10:18; John 13:1; Hebrews 5:8

Jesus Christ's obedience was necessary for God's salvation plan

Romans 5:18-19 See also Matthew 27:40-42 pp Mark 15:30-31 pp Luke 23:35-37; Luke 24:26; John 17:2-4,26; John 19:30

Jesus Christ's obedience was shown in his human relationships

He was obedient to his parents

Luke 2:51

He was obedient to secular authorities

See also Matthew 17:24-27; Matthew 22:17-21 pp Mark 12:15-17 pp Luke 20:22-25

He was obedient to the Jewish law

Matthew 5:17-18; Matthew 22:37-40 pp Mark 12:29-31 pp Luke 10:26-28; Mark 2:23-28; John 7:19; John 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

Matthew 19:17 See also Matthew 7:21; Matthew 12:50 pp Mark 3:35 pp Luke 8:21; John 15:10; Ephesians 6:6

Christlike obedience expresses love for God

2Jn 6 See also John 14:15,20-21; John 15:12

Obedience should characterise believers' lives

Romans 1:5 “obedience” refers to a whole lifestyle arising from a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. See also Acts 5:29; 2 Corinthians 2:9

See also

1175  God, will of
2036  Christ, humility
2218  Christ, Son of God
2324  Christ as Saviour
2327  Christ as servant
2339  Christ, example of
2510  Christ, baptism of
2525  Christ, cross of
2570  Christ, suffering
5379  law, Christ's attitude
8453  obedience