Our text flows straight from the first few verses of chapter 2. Paul here uses the ultimate example of selflessness, Jesus Christ the Son of God. This is the undeniable centerpiece of the book of Philippians. Many scholars are of the opinion that verses 6-11 served as an early Christian hymn that was sung. If so, what a moving and powerful song that must have been!
In this two part lesson we will consider:
- The Mind of Christ (vv. 5-8).
- The Exaltation of Christ (vv. 9-11).
We will look only at the first point today, the second point next week, Lord willing.
THE HUMILITY OF CHRIST (vv. 5-8)
The “mind” of Christ has to do with His way of thinking or His disposition. What a blessing it is that we have insight into that mind! Through Jesus we observe the thinking of God!
What was it that Christ did not hold on to, or what did He empty Himself of? Some say it was His divine essence but this contradicts other plain statements of the Bible. In fact, in Matthew 1:23 He is referred to as “Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” This view would also have a mere man dying on the cross! If this were so, there would be no power in the blood!
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First, notice that he was “born in the likeness of men.” This expression seems to point toward Him entering into this world through the birth process. John 1:14 says, “the word became flesh.” From the side of the Father in heaven to being born as an infant! That is extraordinary humility! In doing so, He retained His divine nature but also clothed Himself with humanity. Becoming as a man, He would be able to sympathize with our weaknesses and serve as our high priest (see Heb. 4:14-15).
But He also became obedient to the point of death, and not just any death, but “even” death on a cruel cross (v. 8). The cross was an emblem of shame to the Jews (see Dt. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). It was foolishness to the Gentiles (see 1 Cor. 1:23). According F.F. Bruce, the polite Roman society considered the word ‘cross’ as an obscene word, not even to be used in conversation.
Jesus took this shame, this foolishness, this cursedness, and our sin, upon Himself. All of this, He chose! Why? Consider two reasons: (1) First, He loved us that much (see Jn. 3:16; Gal. 2:20)! (2) Secondly, that was how submissive He was to the will of the Father! He did not have to do any of what He did, but He chose to. The night before He died, in agony He prayed about the cross. He prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done” (Lk. 22:42).
Christ gave up everything. Why? Because He wanted us to be saved from our sins! When we partake of this selfless attitude and way of thinking, it will bring amazing unity to the body of Christ. We will truly “esteem others more highly than ourselves!” (v. 4).
What is it that we are grasping too tightly? What do we need to let go of in order to be a greater blessing to others? If the Lord humbled Himself as He did, how much more are we in need of becoming humble servants?
Remember, Christ not only was humble for our sake but He was humiliated for our sake! Our challenge is to have “the mind of Christ” (v. 5), that is, to think more like Him!
Daren Schroeder
