Why Jesus’ Submission Doesn’t Mean He Is Inferior

Does the Bible really deny that Jesus is God? Muslim polemicists often claim that Jesus growing in wisdom and submitting to the Father proves He isn't God. But are they actually reading the text correctly? In this post, we’re going to clear up these objections and look at what the Bible actually teaches about the Incarnation and the Trinity.

Q1: Jesus Growing in Wisdom and Favor

The Objection:

"If Jesus is truly God, why do Luke 2:40 and 52 say He grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with God? Does God lack wisdom or need His own grace? This proves He was just a man!"

"And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." [...] "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:40, 52)

The Misunderstanding (Category Error)

This argument misinterprets Christian teaching. The Bible never says Jesus' divine nature grew or lacked anything. Instead, this points to the Hypostatic Union, the single person of the Son of God taking on a full human nature. His growth describes His human development, not His divinity.

What the Text Actually Means

• Context: Luke highlights Jesus' genuine humanity as the Son of Man (Luke 19:10).
• Key Term: In Luke 2:52, the Greek word proekopten means "progressing" or "advancing."

Theology:

• Divine Nature: Jesus is omniscient (John 21:17).
• Human Nature: He went through the normal human growth process, yet remained entirely without sin, an example of Kenosis or self-emptying (Philippians 2:6–8).
  
  

3. Why the Argument Fails

By this logic, baby Jesus should have been lecturing on quantum physics from His cradle. It makes far more sense that He took on authentic humanity rather than putting on a fake show.

Questions to Consider:

• By saying God can't humble Himself and take on human form, aren't you limiting His power
  
• Why attack His divinity using verses that clearly describe His human development?
  
  

Q2: The Submission of the Son (1 Corinthians 15:24–28)

The Objection:

"If Jesus is God, why would He submit to the Father? Doesn't that make Him inferior?"

"Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power... When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all." (1 Corinthians 15:24–28)

1. The Misunderstanding (Equivocation Fallacy)

This objection confuses role with essence. Functional submission does not mean someone is inferior in nature.

2. What the Text Actually Means

• Context: 1 Corinthians 15 focuses on the resurrection and Christ’s victory as the Last Adam.
• Key Term: The Greek word hypotagēsetai means "to arrange in order" or "to place under rank."

Theology:

• Ontological Trinity: Jesus is fully God, equal to the Father in essence (John 1:1; 10:30).
• Economic Trinity: In the plan of redemption, Jesus acts as the Mediatorial King. When His mission is complete, He presents the kingdom to the Father, demonstrating perfect unity within the Triune God.

3. Why the Argument Fails

Think of a Vice President submitting to a CEO. Does that make the VP any less human? Of course not. In the same way, Jesus submitting functionally to the Father doesn't diminish His divinity.

Questions to Consider:

• If a Prime Minister defers to a King, does he cease to be human? If not, why confuse role with essence?
• If Jesus isn't God, why does verse 25 say He reigns until Death itself is defeated? Who else has authority over death besides God?

Q3: Qur’an vs. Bible

The Objection:

"The Allah of the Qur’an is far greater; He never sleeps, never grows tired, and has no partners. Islamic Unitarianism (Tawhid) is superior to the Biblical view of a God who became human, grew tired, and slept."

1. The Misunderstanding (False Dilemma)

This assumes strict Unitarianism is the only valid form of monotheism, ignoring how God reveals His love through the Incarnation.

2. Comparing the Texts

• Biblical Foundation: Centuries before the Qur'an was written, the Bible stated: "He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4) and "The Lord does not faint or grow weary" (Isaiah 40:28).

The Contrast:

• The Quranic View: God is purely transcendent, distant, and unapproachable in His majesty.
• The Biblical View: God is both transcendent and immanent. He humbled Himself, took on human flesh, and loved us to the point of laying down His life (Philippians 2:6–8).

3. Why the Argument Fails

If "greatness" means God is incapable of reaching down to humanity, then that standard is based on pride rather than love. True greatness is shown in the ability to humble oneself without losing glory.

Questions to Consider:

• If Allah is beyond physical limits, how do you reconcile Islamic traditions (e.g., Sahih al-Bukhari 1145) describing him descending to the lowest heaven every night?
  
  
• Which is truly greater: a distant God who stays far away, or the God of the Bible who humbled Himself to save you?
  
  

Real Talk Reflection

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:5–7

Stand firm in the truth of who Christ is! Take time to root yourself in God's Word so you won't be easily shaken by misleading claims. Share this post with someone who might benefit from it, and let’s keep pointing people back to the true Gospel.

Which of these points was most helpful for you? Share your thoughts below!

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