Philippians 2:6-11 is about the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ as the divine Son of God who willingly lowered himself to take on human form and ultimately be exalted by God the Father, serving as a model for believers to follow in humility and obedience.
6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:6-11
The scene in Philippians 2:6-11 takes place in the heavenly realm, where Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is being exalted and praised by all creation. The setting is majestic and awe-inspiring, with angels and heavenly beings surrounding the throne of God. The atmosphere is filled with reverence and adoration as all beings in heaven acknowledge the supreme authority and glory of Jesus.
Jesus, who existed in the form of God, willingly humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant, being born as a human being and ultimately sacrificing Himself on the cross for the redemption of humanity. As a result of His obedience and selflessness, God highly exalted Him and bestowed upon Him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This scene in Philippians 2 serves as a powerful reminder of the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ, and it calls believers to emulate His example of selflessness and obedience. It is a moment of profound worship and acknowledgment of the sovereignty of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
What is Philippians 2:6-11 about?
A powerful portrayal of humility and exaltation is seen in this verse. Jesus, who is often referred to as the Son of God in Christian theology, set aside His divine status and took on the role of a servant. This act of humility serves as an example for believers to follow, emphasizing the importance of serving others with love and selflessness. Jesus demonstrated the ultimate expression of humility and love by becoming a servant.
Furthermore, the verse speaks to the ultimate exaltation of Jesus by God. Despite His humble earthly ministry, Jesus is exalted by God to the highest position of honor and authority. This exaltation highlights the divine recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice and obedience, showing the ultimate triumph of humility and service in the eyes of God. The imagery of every knee bowing and every tongue confessing points to a universal acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship and divinity, affirming His place as the exalted Son of God. We reflect on this verse, examining our own lives and considering the ways in which we can emulate Jesus’ humility and servanthood. Are we willing to set aside our pride and ego to serve others with love and compassion? Do we recognize the value of humility in the eyes of God, who exalts those who humble themselves? This verse challenges us to reconsider our priorities and attitudes, reminding us of the profound significance of humility and service in the Christian faith.
Understanding what Philippians 2:6-11 really means
Introduction to the Passage
The passage in Philippians 2:6-11, often referred to as the “Christ Hymn,” stands as a cornerstone of Christological texts in the New Testament. It delves into the profound themes of Jesus’ humility and exaltation, serving as a guiding model for Christian conduct and mindset.
Key Phrases and Their Meanings
In the verse, “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage,” we see a poignant emphasis on Jesus’ divine essence and His deliberate choice to forego His divine prerogatives. This decision showcases His humility and selflessness. Furthermore, the phrase “He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” underscores Jesus’ intentional act of humbling Himself by assuming human form, epitomizing the ultimate display of humility. His obedience unto death, even death on a cross, as mentioned in the passage, highlights the depth of His obedience and sacrificial love.
Moreover, the subsequent exaltation of Jesus by God, as stated in “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,” signifies His supreme authority and honor. The declaration that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord” points to the universal acknowledgment of Jesus’ lordship and the ultimate submission of all creation to Him.
Related Biblical Passages
Other biblical passages such as John 1:1-14, which speaks of Jesus’ divine nature and incarnation, Isaiah 53:3-12, portraying the Suffering Servant prophecy akin to Jesus’ humility and sacrifice, and Hebrews 2:9, which discusses Jesus being temporarily made lower than the angels, echo the themes of humility, obedience, and subsequent exaltation found in Philippians 2:6-11.
Relevance to People Today
In a contemporary context, this passage resonates profoundly, urging individuals to embody Jesus’ humility and selflessness in a world that often esteems power and self-promotion. It challenges believers to reflect on the significance of obedience and sacrifice in their walk with God, even amidst personal costs. The assurance of Jesus’ exaltation offers hope and encouragement, affirming that humility and obedience will ultimately be rewarded by God.
Anecdote for Illustration
Consider the narrative of a prosperous business leader who opted to leave a lucrative position to serve in a non-profit organization. Despite the financial sacrifice and loss of status, this individual discovered greater fulfillment and purpose in serving others. This narrative mirrors Jesus’ choice to humble Himself and serve humanity, illustrating that genuine greatness is found in service and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Philippians 2:6-11 serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ humility, obedience, and eventual exaltation. It beckons believers to emulate His example, leading lives characterized by humility, service, and a readiness to sacrifice for the betterment of others.
What does it mean to have the mind of Christ?
Having the mind of Christ means having a humble and servant-like attitude. Jesus, who is God in human form, humbled Himself and took on the form of a servant, even to the point of death. This attitude of humility and willingness to serve others is what it means to have the mind of Christ. It involves putting the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did when He gave up His life for the salvation of humanity.
Adopting the mind of Christ also means being obedient to God’s will and following His example. Jesus was obedient to the Father’s plan, even when it meant suffering and death on the cross. Having the mind of Christ involves aligning our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God’s will and living in obedience to Him. It means having a sacrificial love for others, just as Jesus demonstrated His love for all of humanity through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Living a life that reflects His character and values ultimately means having the mind of Christ. It involves having a mindset of humility, service, obedience, and love towards others. We can truly embody the mind of Christ in our daily lives by imitating His example and allowing His attitudes and actions to shape our own.
Application
Embrace the spirit of humility and service, just like Jesus did. Let go of ego and embrace a mindset of putting others first. Will you take up this challenge and embody the traits of a humble servant like never before?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.