Introduction
Obedience is a central theme in the Bible, distinguishing those who walk in God’s favor from those who fall under judgment. In 1 Samuel 15, we see King Saul disobeying God’s command, leading to his rejection as king. This contrasts sharply with Jesus, the true and obedient King, who perfectly fulfills God’s will, even to the point of death on the cross.
In this post, we’ll explore how 1 Samuel 15 foreshadows Jesus as the obedient One and how Philippians 2:8 confirms His absolute submission to God’s authority.
1 Samuel 15: Saul’s Failure to Obey God’s Commands
The Command Given
In 1 Samuel 15:1-3, God, through the prophet Samuel, commands Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and their possessions as an act of divine justice for their past sins (Exodus 17:8-16). This was a clear and direct order.
The Disobedience of Saul
Instead of complete obedience, Saul spares King Agag and the best of the livestock (1 Samuel 15:9). His reasoning? He claims he saved the animals to sacrifice to the Lord, but in reality, this was partial obedience—still disobedience in God’s eyes.
The Consequence of Disobedience
Samuel rebukes Saul, declaring that God desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22-23). Because Saul rejected God’s word, God rejected him as king.
This passage highlights a critical truth:
👉 Partial obedience is still disobedience.
Jesus: The Obedient King Who Fulfills God’s Commands
While Saul failed as Israel’s king, Jesus emerges as the true and obedient King who fulfills all of God’s commands perfectly.
Philippians 2:8 – The Obedience of Christ
“And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:8)
Unlike Saul, Jesus never wavered in obedience. His life was one of complete submission to the Father’s will.
1. Jesus Obeyed Completely, Not Partially
While Saul picked and chose what to obey, Jesus obeyed in every detail.
- John 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me.”
- John 8:29 – “I always do the things that are pleasing to Him.”
From His baptism to the cross, Jesus never compromised God’s commands.
2. Jesus’ Obedience Led to Sacrifice
Saul made excuses, claiming he spared the animals for sacrifice. Jesus, however, became the sacrifice through His perfect obedience.
- Hebrews 10:10 – “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
- His death was not just an act of love, but an act of complete obedience to the Father’s will.
3. Jesus’ Obedience Restores What Saul Lost
Because of Saul’s disobedience, he lost the kingdom. But because of Jesus’ obedience, He received an everlasting kingdom.
- Philippians 2:9 – “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name.”
- Unlike Saul, who was removed, Jesus was enthroned forever as the true King.
Application: Following the Example of Christ’s Obedience
Jesus models the perfect life of obedience that we are called to follow. Here’s how we can respond:
✔️ Obey Fully, Not Selectively – Like Jesus, we must surrender completely, not just in the areas that are convenient. (James 1:22)
✔️ Trust God’s Commands Even When Difficult – Jesus obeyed even unto death. We are called to trust God, even when obedience is costly. (Luke 22:42)
✔️ Live in Humble Submission – Jesus humbled Himself. True obedience requires humility. (Micah 6:8)
Conclusion: Jesus, The True and Obedient King
1 Samuel 15 highlights the failure of human kings to fully obey God, leading to their rejection. But Jesus, the greater King, fulfilled every command of God perfectly.
Through His obedience, He:
✅ Became our perfect sacrifice
✅ Secured an eternal kingdom
✅ Gave us an example to follow
Let us look to Jesus, the obedient One, and follow Him with wholehearted obedience!
