Jesus is Submissive: Matthew 26.36-46

Our society, our culture, teaches us to be in charge. We are trained to make our own decisions and to solve our own problems. The problem is that this flies in the face of what Jesus taught and practiced. He wants all of his followers to be submissive to authority, especially the authority of God.

Jesus was a great example of this submissiveness. He was always looking out for the needs of others who were "less fortunate" or marginalized. He healed the sick and others (lepers) that the rest of society ignored. He fed the hungry. He forgave the sins of those whom the religious leaders of his day thought were beyond redemption.

If we are to be submissive, we can learn a lot from the example of Jesus.

1. Jesus was submissive when he went to pray, rather than run or rebel (v.36). Too often we view prayer as a luxury that we do not have time for. We can produce things, or we can pray. Jesus knew that the key to success in life is related to submitting to the discipline of prayer.


2. Jesus was submissive when he prayed for God's will (v. 39). Although he wanted something completely different, Jesus was willing to live within God's will. How hard is this? I want what I want no matter what! Jesus calls us to want what God wants, however.


3. Jesus was submissive to the point of physical distress (cf. Luke 22.44). Whether or not Jesus' sweat actually consisted of blood is not our problem here. We need to understand that following Jesus and submitting to his will is going to have physical aspects to it.


4. Jesus was submissive when he asked the disciples to pray (v. 41). He was always concerned with sharing God's word and will with others. He did this even when he was distracted by what seem like greater concerns. **Praying for one hour seems unreasonable to us, but in comparison to giving your life, what is one hour?


5. Jesus was submissive, even to the point of death (v. 45-46). The ultimate act of submission is giving your life and that is exactly what Jesus did. Each follower of Jesus is also asked to give his/her life. We may not have to die, but we are expected to be willing to die.

Verse of the Week: Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will. Matthew 26.39

Verse of the Week 2: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3.16