The glory of submission

Another subject that has forced itself into the forefront of my mind in recent weeks is submission.
In teaching John's gospel, I have to recognise that Jesus repeatedly says that he obeyed the Father's command; that he does only what the Father does; that he says only what the Father tells him to say; that he goes to the cross because the Father sends him there.
Then preaching through 1 Peter, I've had to consider what it means for citizens, employees, wives and young men to be called to submit and walk in the steps of Jesus.
And today, reading Philippians 2, this despised idea crops up again: Jesus 'humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.' And again, we're called to follow in his steps,

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Phil 2:12f).

And Paul spells out what this imitation of Christ will look like in practice:

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. ... Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life. (Phil 2:3-4 & 14-16).

If this concept of submission and obedience came naturally to us, we would not have needed Christ to come and demonstrate true obedience. We would not have needed him to be obedient to death and so bear 'our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.' (1 Peter 2:24).

But he did that to show us a new and better way - the way of the Son of God himself. 'By his wounds you have been healed' - healed from your willful disobedience and refusal to submit. 'For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls' (1 Peter 2:25). So now we willingly submit to our great Bishop (= Overseer) who is Jesus, and follow in his steps.