The Way of Submission

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.  Titus 3:1-2  NIV


Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.  But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"  Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness."  Then John consented.  Matthew 3: 13-15 NIV


     Jesus submitted to all kinds of authority when he was on earth.  When he was a child, he submitted to his parents.  When his mission was ending, he submitted to the cross.  When he was beginning his ministry, he submitted to his cousin, John, in baptism.


     John didn't want to do it.  It was the position of the leader to baptize the follower and John's purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus.  So, when Jesus explained that his baptism was needed "to fulfill all righteousness," John submitted back.  He followed Jesus' request and baptized him.


     The Christian way of submission is never to be forced.  Power struggles are to be avoided.  We are told in Titus to be peaceable, considerate and gentle.  If you are always "one up" on another person, how will you ever bring him to Christ?  If Jesus was willing to submit to the flawed authorities of the world, we must be willing to follow his example.