What does "became obedient to death" teach about submission to God's plan? The Phrase in Focus “ He humbled Himself and became obedient to death —even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8) What Obedience Looked Like for Jesus • Complete humility—He “humbled Himself,” setting aside every legitimate right • Conscious choice—“became,” showing deliberate, willing action • Total surrender—obedience carried all the way “to death,” not stopping short when it hurt • Extreme cost—“even death on a cross,” the most shame-filled, painful form of execution Key Truths About Submission to God’s Plan 1. Submission requires voluntary surrender • John 10:17-18—“No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord.” • True submission isn’t forced; it springs from love and trust in the Father. 2. Submission remains steadfast, regardless of cost • Hebrews 12:2—“For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.” • Costliness does not negate obedience; it proves its depth. 3. Submission aligns the will with God’s purpose • Matthew 26:39—“Yet not as I will, but as You will.” • Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane shows the internal yielding that precedes outward compliance. 4. Submission results in redemptive impact • Romans 5:19—“Through the obedience of the One, the many will be made righteous.” • Our obedience, modeled after Christ, becomes a conduit for God’s blessing to others. How This Shapes Our Own Obedience • Embrace humility—set aside status and self-interest. • Choose obedience proactively—decide in advance to follow God’s Word. • Endure difficulty without retreat—trust the Father’s goodness when submission hurts. • Expect God to use surrendered lives—obedience never ends in waste; it advances His kingdom. Encouragement from Other Scriptures • Hebrews 5:8—“Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.” • Isaiah 53:10—“Yet it pleased the LORD to crush Him…” confirming divine purpose behind suffering. • 1 Peter 2:21—“Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps.” Takeaway Jesus’ obedience “to death” reveals that genuine submission to God’s plan is voluntary, costly, purposeful, and ultimately fruitful. Following Him means yielding our own wills with the same confidence that the Father’s plan, however difficult, accomplishes perfect and eternal good. |
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