The hymn in Philippians 2 highlights the fact that Jesus was obedient to the point of death. The book of Hebrews points out that Jesus learned obedience even though he was the Son. As the Son of God, Jesus was neither disobedient or obedient because he was equal with God. There was no need for obedience as the divine Son of God. In his divine nature, his will was the Father’s will. However, in his humanity he had a human will. It was this human will that learned obedience. It didn’t mean he went from disobedience to obedience but that as a man he brought his will into line with God’s will. This was evident in his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

What does this mean for us? As disciples and followers of Jesus, we also need our will brought into line with God’s will. This is learning to become obedient. Today’s society does not look favourably on people who are obedient. However, if we truly desire to follow Christ, we will learn obedience. Obedience actually will bring us into a freedom that most people do not know.