So then, the Bible proves again that it is its own best interpreter. Yes, it tells us to imitate Jesus. It also reveals how God wants the example applied. We learn from Jesus to obey the system under which God places us. Christ was born and lived under the system called the Old Covenant. For us, who come after Jesus’ death, God’s system is the New Covenant of His Son Jesus. Both are evident in Hebrews 5.
In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to Him who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. Although He was a son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him. (Hebrews 5:7-9)
This passage rests on a background of two systems from God. When Jesus was submissive, His obedience was to God’s will, which at that time was the law of Moses. Now we too are called to obey. How should we obey? Jesus is the Savior for “all who obey Him.” We are under His covenant. He is the One through whom God speaks now (Hebrews 1:1-2). Thus, we imitate Jesus in being submissive and obedient, but we do so in the way God has prepared for us in these last days.