“And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:51-52).
Jesus was in subjection to His parents. God-with-us willingly subjected Himself for our sake. Is this not the reality of the amazing story of the Gospel. God became one of us in every way, only He lived perfectly without sin. This world vies for authority and power, but that is all fleeting. God comes to lead us into His house, which is forever. Yes, this world requires subjection; but in the Lord there is freedom.
Almighty Father, You gave Your only Son for our sake. By His example, You did not come as the tyrants of this world do, heaping on yet more commands. You lovingly gave Your Son who lovingly submitted to Your commandments in this world. Help me to see the way of freedom, even if, to me, it at first seems a more difficult and a binding path. Guide me up and out of this world to Your home.
Lord Jesus, You willingly submitted to Your earthly parents and did what was right. Although the Father’s business is always pressing, You waited for the right time. Teach me to trust in Your timing for all things and do what the Father would have me do according to His schedule. By Your example, help me to willingly submit to all things necessary for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.
