The Path of Obedience

The Path of Obedience: Christ's Example at the Baptism

Bible Passage: Mark 1:9-11

Sprite commercial, “Obey your thirst!”

Funny cause soda doesn’t really quench anything.

What will quench your thirst?

We will do anything to avoid discomfort.

What happens when comfort requires sacrifice?

What do you do when obedience doesn’t make sense?

Jonah- Summerize

Matthew 12:38–41 NLT

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority.” But Jesus replied, “Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights. “The people of Nineveh will stand up against this generation on judgment day and condemn it, for they repented of their sins at the preaching of Jonah. Now someone greater than Jonah is here—but you refuse to repent.

How is Jesus greater than Jonah?

Jesus obeyed even when the people where “more evil” than those of Nineveh.

What did Jesus obedience look like?

1. Stepping into Submission

Mark 1:9 NLT

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River.

Jesus did not owe John anything.

Jesus submission was not to John, but to the Father.

There are times that Jesus will ask us to do things that don’t make sense. By doing what God asks without having all the answers, we are submitting to His will over ours.

Humility is a huge part of this. Jesus submitted to God by humbling Himself and allowing his cousin to baptize Him.

Where can you submit to someone you would normally not submit to?

2. Opening the Heavens

Mark 1:10 NLT

As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove.

Our obedience brings Heaven to Earth.

Was the Holy Spirit absent from Jesus before this moment?

No. This was a sign to everyone else that God Himself had anointed Jesus.

Our obedience also generates blessing. Because we are walking in what God Himself desires.

We are carrying our the will of God.

3. Receiving Divine Affirmation

Mark 1:11 NLT

And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

There is no recorded ministry of Jesus up to this point. He had not done 1 miracle.

The Father was pleased with Who His Son is, not what He had done?

This applies to us as His children.

God is pleased with you if you never do another “ministry.”

Imagine being there. What would that have been like? How would you react to God the Father saying He is pleased with you?

Transition:

God’s church, not mine or even yours.

Have board come up

Project leadership to board

This move is to be closer to family.

Not about housing or finances

Not about being uncomfortable

DO talk about covenant over contract

DO talk about the positive things that are happening

DO encourage