What Jesus Says about Obedience - Open the Bible (2024)

“A man…had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’ ‘Iwill not,’ he answered, but later changed his mind and went. Then, the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.” [Jesus asked,] “Which of the two did what his father wanted?” Matthew 21:28-31 (NIV)

Jesus told this parable to remind us that God calls His people to a life of obedience.

The difference between these boys is not that one was bad and the other was good—both of them sinned against the father. One was defiant, while the other was disobedient. The difference is that one son was sorry for what he had done and changed his behavior. He became obedient, and then he went to the field to do what the father asked of him.

Jesus makes it clear that who we are is revealed not in what we say but in what we do. Saving faith is the bond of a living union with Jesus Christ, and that union changes not only what you believe but also how you behave. In fact, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15).

If you have become comfortable with something in your life that God calls sin, hear this challenge: If you are at peace with God, you will be at war with your sin. But if you are at peace with your sin, you will be at war with God.

What do you know about war with your sin? What do you know about loving Jesus? How are these two things related?

What Jesus Says about Obedience - Open the Bible (2024)

FAQs

What Jesus Says about Obedience - Open the Bible? ›

In fact, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). If you have become comfortable with something in your life that God calls sin, hear this challenge: If you are at peace with God, you will be at war with your sin. But if you are at peace with your sin, you will be at war with God.

What does Jesus say about obedience in the Bible? ›

John 14:15 “If you love Me, you will obey what I command.” John 14:21 “Whoever has My commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves Me… .” John 14:23 “Jesus replied, 'If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. ' ”

What did Jesus command us to obey? ›

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37–38).

What obedience pleases God? ›

We can please God by our obedience. Lord Jesus says in John 14:15 that 'If you love me, you will keep my commandments. ' When our obedience is based on love, it brings confidence, acceptance and the understanding that God delights and rejoices in us.

What are the 2 types of obedience in the Bible? ›

Theologians often speak of the active and passive obedience of Christ. His active obedience consisted of His perfect keeping of the law of God throughout His life. His passive obedience consisted of His willing reception of the punishment of sinners' breaking the law.

What was Jesus greatest act of obedience? ›

Jesus Christ Obeyed His Father

Jesus Christ was the sublime example of obedience to our Heavenly Father. He said, “I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38). His whole life was devoted to obeying His Father; yet it was not always easy for him.

What are some examples of Jesus showing obedience? ›

2. At the age of 12, when Joseph and Mary found Jesus teaching in the temple, He “was subject unto them,” and obediently returned home with them (see Luke 2:42–51). 3. Though He asked if the cup could pass from Him, He submitted to the suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:36–44; Luke 22:39–54).

Why is obedience so important to God? ›

By obeying in all things, even the mundane, you are showing God that you are willing and able to obey whatever he asks of you. Obedience to God is not only a way to worship him, but a way to get closer to him, prepare for whatever he leads you to and grow as a person.

What is the most important thing Jesus wants from us? ›

Jesus replied: “'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. ' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

How did Jesus show obedience to God? ›

But the obedience of Jesus was most clearly seen on the cross. As He struggled in the garden, He once again — as He had done His whole life — said yes to His Father. “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine,” (Luke 22.42 NLT).

What obedience brings blessings? ›

(Deut. 28:1-14), The Lord was reminding Israel that obedience brings blessings, is rewarded, brings glory to His name, is a witness to other nations, while building godly character in the people. Prayer: Heavenly Father help us to give up on doing things our way, which is for the most part, contrary to Your law.

What Bible verse talks about obedience? ›

10 Key Bible Verses on Obedience
  • Deuteronomy 6:4–9. Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. ...
  • Psalm 1:1–2. Blessed is the man. ...
  • James 1:22–25. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ...
  • Matthew 7:24–27. ...
  • Ephesians 6:1. ...
  • John 15:10–14. ...
  • Romans 2:6–11. ...
  • Genesis 22:17–18.
Jun 28, 2020

How to be obedient to Jesus? ›

Listening to what God says in the Bible. Following Jesus as His disciple. Being polite and following the rules of good society to show our consideration and respect for others. Trusting that God's way will be best for us, rather than our own or the world's way.

What Jesus taught about obedience? ›

In fact, Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). If you have become comfortable with something in your life that God calls sin, hear this challenge: If you are at peace with God, you will be at war with your sin. But if you are at peace with your sin, you will be at war with God.

What is Jesus obedience? ›

We looked at several verses in John when Jesus mentioned His obedience: John 4:34, 5:30, 6:38, 8:26, 10:18, 12:49-50, 14:30-31, and 15:10. All of these verses have one thing in common: Jesus trusted and obeyed his Father in everything He did. Nothing Jesus did was outside of God's will.

What does it mean to be obedient to Jesus? ›

Obedience to God: Christians believe that obeying God is the highest moral duty. It involves following God's commandments, living according to His principles, and aligning one's actions and choices with His will. This is based on the belief that God is the ultimate authority and source of truth.

Did Jesus struggle with obedience? ›

He could and he did. He learned obedience in what he suffered, and he never, never, never failed once in the process of perfect learning, proven, tested obedience. In all of Jesus's suffering, he was being tested.

What did Jesus say about love and obedience? ›

The night before His crucifixion, Jesus reminded the disciples of some important matters. In John 14:21, He pointed out the connection between love and obedience, saying, “He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” In other words, loving the Lord and obeying Him are inseparable.

What is the biblical topic on obedience? ›

The Bible tells us that we show our love for God by obeying His commands (1 John 5:3, John 14:23). Jesus considered His purpose here on earth “to do His Father's work” (John 6:38). One of God's commands is for children to obey their parents (Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20).

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