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Session 3 Jesus the “obedient son”. Opening discussion. Confucius: “ Let young people show filial piety (obedience to parents) at home and respectfulness to elders when away from home” Is he right? How important is it to honour our parents?.
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Opening discussion Confucius: “Let young people show filial piety (obedience to parents) at home and respectfulness to elders when away from home” Is he right? How important is it to honour our parents? Is obeying and respecting our parents/authority figures always easy to do?
Jesus was a perfectly obedient son • We have not been perfect sons or daughters, but Jesus was! • Not only did he obey Mary and Joseph, he also perfectly obeyed God his Father! • In this session we will think about why that is great news for us today
‘Everyday obedience’ – Jesus and his baptism (read Matthew 3 verses 13-17) FrancesoTreviani, Baptism of Christ, 1723 Notice the dove sent by God the Father; angels looking on
Everyday Obedience of Jesus • V13-15 John is surprised Jesus wants baptism: he baptises people once they repent and confess sin (3:2,6); he knows Jesus is perfect • But: if God wants his people to be baptised by John, Jesus is going to be obedient to that • V16-17 Heaven and earth come together – Father, Son and Holy Spirit are all there; the true God is one…and a loving community of three • Father is ‘well pleased’ – Jesus has obeyed for 30 years in work, family, friendship, religion
Everyday Obedience of Jesus is Good News • Jesus is determined to ‘fulfil all righteousness’ – he is perfectly obedient when we are not and can not ever be; our trust needs to be in him • Jesus is willing to take the place of sinners at baptism – he will take the place of sinners at the Cross • God is pleased with his perfect obedience – our small acts of obedience to God our Father matter to him
‘Painful obedience’ – Jesus and his coming death (read Matthew 26 verses 36-46) Giovanni Bellini, Agony in the Garden, 1465 Notice the sleeping disciples, and an angel carrying ‘the cup’
Painful Obedience of Jesus • V36-38 Jesus wants to pray to his Father – in a moment of deep crisis and sorrow it is the only place Jesus wants to be • V39,42,44 Jesus is willing to ‘drink the cup’ (see Psalm 75 verses 7-8) if there is no other way to carry out God’s plan to save people • He chooses an obedient life over an easy life • V45-46 Jesus obediently and bravely goes to face death for sinners – doesn’t run, no angel army to save him
Painful Obedience of Jesus is Good News • Jesus has experienced the pain of life – we have a God who understands us and can help us • Jesus ‘took the cup’ of God’s judgement for the sins of others – through faith in him we will not face judgement as he took it for his people • Jesus remained obedient to the Father’s plan to save sinners – his painful obedience is our only hope of eternal life and forgiveness from God
Group Discussion Jesus showed obedience to God even when it was difficult. In what ways might obedience to God be difficult for us? Jesus needed to pray in his trouble. Why do Christians pray? What difference does it make? Is it surprising that God’s plan to save people involves the obedience and death of Jesus? Why do Christians call it ‘Good News’? Prayer Ideas Thank God for the obedience of Jesus Ask God to help you live an obedient life by following Jesus