THE SCHOOL OF SUBMISSION

       Sometimes we might be prompted to think, “if ever the case for a BOY KING could be made, it would have been Jesus”.  But, based on Scripture this would be faulty reasoning.  Even after His debut, at the age of twelve “in the midst of the rabbis” (Lk.2:46-47), God’s plan for Jesus included many years in Nazareth, “continuing in subjection” (Lk.2:51).  While it stretches our thinking to fully comprehend  that Jesus had some g-r-o-w-i-n-g to do, Luke states precisely that:  “Jesus kept increasing in wisdom & stature and in favor with God and man (Lk.2:52).  Part of the great mystery surrounding the humanity of Jesus is that “He had to be made like his brethren in all things…” (Heb.2:17).  Being made in the likeness of men, Jesus had to partake of the struggles common to mankind (cf. Heb.2:14 and Philp.2:6-7).

Though He was the only-begotten SON of God, as a “son” - - He learned obedience from the things which He suffered  (Heb.5:8).    

       The life of Jesus teaches us many things about our own discipleship.  We, too, must enroll in the school of submission.  Just as Jesus in His incarnation “emptied Himself”, so must we.  In fact, that is what we vow to do in our baptism into Christ (Rom.6:3-7) - - to die to self and to be crucified with Christ (Gal.2:20).  As the life of Jesus vividly portrays, learning obedient submission is not an instantaneous undertaking.  So let us not get down and out when we falter.  Instead, let us journey onward, “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (Heb.12:2a).  Let us not become downcast and disheartened by trials and tribulations.  Rather, let us “consider Him who has endured…so that we may not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb.12:3).  While some of our difficulties may be self-induced, it will help to realize that many of our struggles come from our loving Father.  “What son is there whom His father does not discipline” (Heb.12:7b).  God often “disciplines us for our own good, that we may share in His holiness” (Heb.12:10b).  When viewed through the lens of Scripture, STRUGGLES CAN BE SEEN AS GIFTS coming down from the Father of Lights - - trials pregnant with blessings (Js.1:12f).  We are very grateful for the death of Christ.  But let us also be forever thankful for the life of Christ.  He has left us an example so that we might follow in His steps (1Pet.2:21).     

                                                                                    Terry Siverd / Cortland  Church of Christ