Understanding the text

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means that He and He alone is Lord. The Father has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). As Abraham Kuyper famously said, “...there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is sovereign over all, does not cry: ‘Mine!’” This supremacy, which Christ has over all creation, enables Christians to obediently submit to authorities and structures, knowing that all authority is ultimately given by, and therefore consequently under, the sovereign rule of Jesus.

Therefore, Christians can joyfully submit not only to one another but also authorities and structures, as unto the Lord. This frees Christians up to embrace their role as Christ mimicking servants. Just as Christ suffered injustice at the hands of the ruling authorities for our wellbeing, so we too can suffer injustice knowing that our suffering is not in vain.

Additional scripture

1. Romans 13:1
2. Ephesians 5:21
3. Philippians 2:4-11

Applying the text

1. How does the sovereignty of Christ over all things free us from the fear of submitting to authorities?
2. In what sense have you benefited from Jesus’ submission to injustice? How might your suffering also bring life to others?
3. How does this text challenge you to grow as a disciple? What steps do you need to take to grow in obedience to this text?