2 Think about the heroes of many American movies and television shows. Many times, the heroes are those who rebel against authority in pursuit of a greater good in their mind.

Aversion to Submission We all have a natural aversion toward “submission” that is rooted in our sinful nature as well as in our cultural context. 3

In today’s session, we will consider Christ’s perfect response to God’s Word through His death and resurrection. 4

Christ’s Submission Brought Great Suffering 32 Then they came to a place named Gethsemane, and He told His disciples, "Sit here while I pray." 33 He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be deeply distressed and horrified. 34 Then He said to them, "My soul is swallowed up in sorrow—to the point of death. Remain here and stay awake." 35 Then He went a little farther, fell to the ground, and began to pray that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, "Abba, Father! All things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will." 5 Mark 14:32-36

Only when we mediate on Jesus’ life and death are we able to imitate Christ. The Lord took our punishment upon Himself and it is the cross that makes our obedience possible. Therefore, all our efforts to imitate Christ must be grounded in His work on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has granted us the power to face suffering. 6

Christ’s Submission Brought Great Shame 5 Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. 7 Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, 8 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. 9 For this reason God also highly exalted Him and gave Him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow—of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth— 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 7 Philippians 2:5-8 Notice the picture of humility we see in Christ’s coming. Why did Jesus have to become like us in order to save us?

The Attitude of Christ Jesus had all the privileges that came with being God. Yet in submitting to the Father's will, He set those privileges aside in order to become human for our salvation. 8

1 Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. 2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe. 3 He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4 So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs. 9 Christ’s Submission Brought Great Glory Hebrews 1:1-4 God has spoken to us through creation, through the written Word, and know through His Son, the incarnate Word. Note the progression from humiliation to exaltation: the Son became a man, who became a sacrifice, who became the King of Kings!

Art Imitating Christ It’s fascinating to think how often the theme of exaltation through humiliation in the life of Christ is imitated in art. Consider just a few examples: – Cinderella: the daughter who became a servant who became a princess – The Gladiator: a general who became a slave, who became a gladiator, who became the savior of Rome. – Thor: the mythical “god” of thunder, stripped of his power and banished to earth, who becomes a hero/savior on earth then returns to Asgard in glory People love to tell these stories, generation after generation, but they pale in comparison to the true humility to exaltation story of Jesus!

Jesus Reveals God’s Character Jesus glorified the Father by revealing the very character of God through His life and ministry. But, Jesus ultimately and uniquely revealed the character of God even more in His death and resurrection. – In His death and resurrection, Jesus revealed the Father’s justice against human sinfulness and rebellion. – In His death and resurrection, Jesus revealed the Father’s power and authority over Satan. – In His death and resurrection, Jesus revealed the Father’s grace and mercy toward undeserving sinners of every ethnicity. 11

 Christ submitted to the Father’s will, even though it brought great suffering  Christ submitted to the Father’s will, even though it brought great shame  Christ’s submission leads to our purification and His exaltation  Christ submitted to the Father’s will, even though it brought great suffering  Christ submitted to the Father’s will, even though it brought great shame  Christ’s submission leads to our purification and His exaltation 1.How have you responded to God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus? 2.How are you living you life in light of God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus? 3.Are there people in your life who presently do not bow to King Jesus? 4.What is your responsibility to share the revelation of God in Jesus Christ with them? 1.How have you responded to God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus? 2.How are you living you life in light of God’s revelation of Himself in Jesus? 3.Are there people in your life who presently do not bow to King Jesus? 4.What is your responsibility to share the revelation of God in Jesus Christ with them? 12