March
5, 2003
CHRIST'S
OBEDIENCE
"I
shall not talk much longer with you, for the Prince of this
world approaches. He has no rights over Me; but the world
must be shown that I love the Father, and do exactly as He
commands; so up, let us go forward!" (John 14:30, 31,
NEB).
This
was Christ's example to us. He was faithful to the will of
His Father. He said, "The Prince
of this world approaches. He has no rights over Me; but the
world must be shown that I love the Father, and do exactly
as He commands" (John 14:30, 31). Jesus loved
the Father and obeyed Him completely. Christ's obedience to
His Father fulfilled the just requirements of the Law and
assured the salvation of all who put their faith and trust
in Jesus. He is the assurance of our salvation because of
His faithfulness even unto death.
Jesus
further stated, "The ruler of this
world is judged" (John 16:11, NKJV). Previously
He had said, "Now is the judgment
of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples
to Myself" (John 12:31). Jesus knew the scenes
to take place in the great conflict just before Him. He knew
that when He would be lifted up on the cross and when He should
exclaim, "It is finished," all heaven would triumph
and that the Prince of this world would stand condemned.
Jesus
"rejoiced that He could do more for His followers than
they could ask or think. He spoke with assurance, knowing
that an almighty decree had been given before the world was
made. He knew that truth, armed with the omnipotence of the
Holy Spirit, would conquer in the contest with evil; and that
[His] bloodstained banner would wave triumphantly over His
followers...
"
'These things I have spoken to you,'
He said, 'that in Me you might have
peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33).
Christ did not fail, neither was He discouraged, and His followers
are to manifest a faith of the same enduring nature"
(Desire of Ages, p. 399).
Jesus
is our example. His obedience is our obedience. Because of
His obedience, we are saved. Thank you Jesus!
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