Day 1: The impact of humble obedience

Obedience is not something we typically associate with impactful leaders. In our world, the influential and powerful march to the beat of their own drum. They answer to no one. In fact, they are the ones that influence others!

As such, obedience is not something we might expect of our Saviour, the Son of God. Yet even in calling him the Son, we can see the implications. Where there is a son, there is a father who the son trusts and humbly obeys—at least when the father’s identity is perfect Love.

Before the start of his public ministry, Jesus does something that is widely known as a startling act of humble obedience: He gets baptized. Even John the Baptist, whom Jesus asks to baptize Him, is taken aback by the request. This is the Son of God—surely, He is exempt from this?

But we immediately see the impact of Jesus’ humble obedience: “At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:16)

Jesus’ act of humble obedience reinforces His identity as a Son of the Father and His alignment with the Holy Spirit to fulfill His purpose. Perhaps, humble obedience could have the same impact on us?

This act of obedience early on in Jesus’ ministry is mirrored by another near the end, which is, of course, His death on a cross—the greatest point of impact in all of history. Scripture gives us insight into Jesus’ prayer before His crucifixion: “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)

Not as I will, but as You will.

What would our lives look like if we prayed that prayer? What kind of impact could we have?

Obedience doesn’t always make sense. It might be startling. It might require sacrifice. But we see in Jesus’ life just how impactful it is when we practice humble obedience, aligning our will to that of our Father God who is perfect Love.