This episode continues applying the holistic cross of self-denial to all areas of life that aren't sinful per se. Christ Himself set the example: He didn't use His abilities without submitting them over to the Father's discretion. The God-man could easily have overwhelmed his hearers with His wit and mental acuity but chose on many occasions to refrain. Isaiah 42:3 says about Him "a broken reed He would not break nor a dimly burning wick He would not snuff out." He didn't break broken sinners but submitted all His talents and abilities over to the Father, to be used only at His discretion. Christ exemplified TOTAL submission to the Father and it had little to do with sin, for He was morally perfect and free from sin. So when believers subsequently identity with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection they ideally should present their whole selves as living sacrifices, to be used for His pleasure.
