John 2:13 (NKJV)
Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
It sounds like a simple statement. But further examination reveals something rather deep about Christ's character.
During the days of Moses, God gave the children of Israel a special commandment. Each year all the Israeli men were to gather in a certain place to celebrate the three major feasts that the Lord had commanded them to keep:
"Three times a year all your males shall appear before the LORD your God in the place which He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread [Passover], at the Feast of Weeks, and at the Feast of Tabernacles . . . ."
(Deuteronomy 16:16 NKJV)
The place of gathering came to be the temple, which was situated in the Holy City of Jerusalem. So when the Bible tells us that Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover, it's telling us that He was being obedient to this divine ordinance.
Jesus submitted to the will of God, and in doing so, He set an example for us to follow.
We're not obligated to keep the rules and regulations of Jewish law, but we are called to follow God's will for our lives according to the New Testament teachings and the direction of His Spirit. Even in this age of grace, all of us have had our moments of wondering,
Why God?
Why do I have to do this, and why do I have to do that? It would be so much more convenient if you would just let me skip a few things.
In these moments, we need to simply submit to God's will and do as He has told us. If Jesus was obedient in this area, then how dare we question our obligation to do so?
Discuss with your group a time when you questioned God’s will for your life.
Dig into 1 John 2:1–6. What does this passage say about obedience?
Decide to obey God today.
What has God told you to do that you are still struggling with?
Ask Him to help you follow Jesus’ example of submission and obedience.
