“The Savior’s Example of Obedience,” New Era, Oct. 2014, 26–29
“Of all the lessons we learn from the life of the Savior, none is more clear and powerful than the lesson of obedience,” taught Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the April 2014 general conference. The Savior’s example teaches us not only why obedience to Heavenly Father is important but also how we can be obedient. As you review the following examples from His ministry, think about how they might set a path for you to follow in your life.
1. Although Jesus was without sin, he submitted to baptism “to fulfill all righteousness” (Matthew 3:13–17 ; see also 2 Nephi 31:4–7 ; John 3:5 ).
Christ’s baptism by Joseph Brickey
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 ).
Boy Jesus in the Temple courtesy of Grant Romney Clawson
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 ).
Photo illustration courtesy of Church Publishing Services
4. He kept the Sabbath and attended services in the synagogue (see Luke 4:16–44 ).
Photo illustration courtesy of Church Publishing Services
5. Jesus submitted to be judged of men that the Father’s work and glory might come to pass (see Isaiah 53:7 ; Matthew 26:53 ; Moses 1:39 ).
Photo illustration courtesy of Church Publishing Services
6. He finished His work by allowing wicked men to crucify Him (see Matthew 27:35 ; John 10:17–18 ; Galatians 1:3–5 ).
Photo illustration courtesy of Church Publishing Services
7. Always obedient to His Father, Jesus went to the spirit world and organized the missionary work there (see 1 Peter 3:18–20 ; 4:6 ).
Christ in the Midst courtesy of Judith A. Mehr
8. Jesus was tempted by Satan but He did not yield (see Matthew 4:1–11 ; D&C 20:22 ).
Get Thee Hence, Satan by Carl Heinrich Bloch
9. He continues to do the Father’s will and direct the Church (see Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17 ; D&C 19:2, 24 ).
Joseph Smith’s First Vision courtesy of Greg K. Olsen
“Throughout [Christ’s] ministry, ‘he suffered temptations but gave [them] no heed’ [D&C 20:22 ].”
“I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
“Because our Savior was obedient, He atoned for our sins, making possible our resurrection and preparing the way for us to return to our Heavenly Father, who knew we would make mistakes as we learned obedience in mortality. When we obey, we accept His sacrifice, for we believe that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws, ordinances, and commandments given in the gospel.”
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “‘If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments,’” Ensign, May 2014, 35.
Elder Hales said, “Jesus taught us to obey in simple language that is easy to understand: ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments’ [John 14:15 ], and ‘Come, follow me’ [Luke 18:22 ].” What will you do today to be more obedient?