Written by Roger D. Campbell
We marvel that Jesus never once violated God’s will, though He was tempted in every manner that we are (Hebrews 4:15). How was it possible for Him to live a sinless life? His commitment to do the
Father’s will in all places at all times was one of the keys.
Even at the age of twelve, Jesus understood that He must be about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49). From the cradle to the cross, multiple times we see our Lord demonstrating that mentality.
As His apostles spoke about food for the body, the Christ said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” He was consumed, so to speak, with doing the will of His Father.
One of the clearest declarations that Jesus ever made about any topic is recorded in John 6:38: “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent me.” For Jesus, His life on earth was never “about” Him, but about doing whatever His Father wanted Him to do. Now that, brethren, is an attitude that each of us should emulate!
Why was Jesus never alone, even in those instances when humans deserted Him? Hear His answer: “And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29).
On the same evening that Jesus was taken by a mob to the Jewish authorities, He prayed to His Father, “I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). He humbled Himself and was obedient unto death (Philippians 2:8), a death that was so certain that He spoke of it as if it already had transpired (John 17:4).
In a different prayer which He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, our Lord said, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me, nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). In this instance, Jesus expressed His desire, then submitted to the Father’s will . . . just like He always did.
Jesus understood His earthly mission. He came to reveal the Father to mankind. He did that (John 14:9). The Christ came to preach the gospel of the kingdom. He did that (Mark 1:14,38,39). Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. He did that, too (Mark 2:17).
The Son of man came to go to the cross and give His life as a ransom for lost humanity. He did that (Mark 10:45). In humility, God’s Son submitted to the Father’s will. Let us all strive to imitate Jesus’ mentality.