Philippians 2:7-8 is about the humility and obedience of Jesus Christ, who willingly took on human form and submitted himself to death on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
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.
Setting the Scene for Philippians 2:7-8
In Philippians chapter 2, the scene is set in the heavenly realm before the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The participants in this scene are God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the heavenly hosts. The surroundings are described as majestic and glorious, with the heavenly hosts surrounding the throne of God.
God the Father and God the Son are in deep conversation about the plan for Jesus to leave His divine glory and take on human form to save humanity. Jesus, in His humility and obedience to the Father, willingly agrees to step down from His exalted position and take on the form of a servant. The heavenly hosts witness this profound moment of selflessness and sacrifice, as Jesus prepares to embark on His earthly ministry to fulfill the will of the Father.
The scene is filled with reverence and awe as the heavenly beings marvel at the love and humility displayed by Jesus in His willingness to leave His heavenly glory and take on the form of a servant for the redemption of mankind. This moment sets the stage for the ultimate act of love and sacrifice that Jesus will demonstrate on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
What is Philippians 2:7-8 about?
This verse from Philippians 2:7-8 highlights the profound humility and selflessness of Jesus Christ. Jesus exemplified the ultimate act of submission and sacrifice by taking on the form of a servant and willingly obeying to the point of death on a cross. This verse speaks to the core of Christian faith, emphasizing the ultimate love that Jesus showed by humbling Himself for the sake of all humanity.
Have you ever pondered the depth of humility and love displayed by Jesus in this verse? It serves as a reminder of the incredible extent to which Jesus was willing to go to demonstrate His love for us. How does this profound act of humility challenge you in your own life? Reflecting on Jesus’s example can inspire us to approach our own relationships and service with humility, selflessness, and a willingness to sacrifice for the well-being of others.
Understanding what Philippians 2:7-8 really means
Philippians 2:7-8 presents a profound reflection on the humility and sacrifice exemplified by Jesus Christ. In the broader context of Paul’s message to the believers in Philippi, this passage serves as a poignant reminder for us to adopt the same mindset as Christ. It sets the stage by describing Jesus’ divine nature and His deliberate choice not to cling to His equality with God, emphasizing the selfless nature of His actions. This aligns with Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 53:3-5, which foretold the suffering servant, mirroring Jesus’ humility and sacrificial love.
The practical demonstration of Jesus’ servant nature is vividly portrayed in John 13:3-5 when He humbly washes the disciples’ feet, showcasing a radical form of servanthood. Hebrews 12:2 further emphasizes Jesus enduring the cross for the joy set before Him, underscoring the depth of His sacrificial love. In a world that often prioritizes power, status, and self-promotion, this passage challenges us to embrace humility, service, and self-sacrifice in our daily lives. Consider the impactful story of a successful business leader who chose to step down from their position to serve in a non-profit organization, embodying humility and service over personal gain.
The phrases within Philippians 2:7-8 hold significant meaning and provide detailed insight into Jesus’ character and actions. “Made himself nothing” signifies Jesus’ voluntary decision to empty Himself of His divine privileges, showcasing His profound humility and identification with humanity. “Taking the very nature of a servant” goes beyond mere appearance, highlighting Jesus’ complete embrace of servanthood as a model for genuine and selfless service. “Being made in human likeness” emphasizes the incarnation, where Jesus fully experienced human struggles and limitations, connecting with us on a personal level.
The phrase “He humbled himself” extends beyond the incarnation to Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The mention of “death on a cross” underscores the excruciating and humiliating nature of crucifixion, illustrating Jesus’ unparalleled love and willingness to endure such suffering for humanity. Philippians 2:7-8 serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ humility and sacrificial love, prompting us to reflect on how we can embody these qualities in our interactions with others. By following Jesus’ example of humility and service, we have the potential to make a profound impact in our communities and the world at large.
How can we show humility and servanthood like Jesus?
We can display humility and servanthood like Jesus by following His example of putting the needs of others before our own. We should be willing to humble ourselves and serve others selflessly, just as Jesus willingly set aside His glory and took on the form of a servant. This means being willing to inconvenience ourselves for the benefit of others, and showing kindness and compassion in all situations.
Additionally, we can demonstrate humility and servanthood by having a mindset of putting others first and seeking to serve them with a genuine heart of love. When we approach others with a humble attitude, we reflect Jesus’ character and show His love to those around us. Serving others with humility also means being willing to listen, learn, and grow from the experiences and perspectives of others, recognizing that we are all equal in God’s eyes and in need of His grace. We can emulate Jesus’ humility in our interactions with others by being willing to take on the role of a servant, putting others’ needs above our own desires, and seeking to love and serve others in a way that reflects the selfless love of Christ. We can show the world the transformative power of God’s love and demonstrate what it means to live out the gospel in our daily lives by following Jesus’ example of humility and servanthood.
Application
Embrace the power of humility in your interactions. Be the beacon of love and compassion in a world that often values self-promotion. Let your actions speak louder than words and make a difference in the lives of those around you. Will you take up the mantle of humility and shine brightly in a world that is in need of your light?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.