“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.” – Philippians 2:8-9 (ESV)
We continue to memorize one of the best Christological passages in all of Scripture: Philippians 2:5-13. In all of these verses, Paul’s desire isn’t just to present King Jesus to us; he desires to present King Jesus in us. Last week, we learned that the mind of Jesus is ours through him. What is his mind? Humble service, considering others more significant than ourselves. This week, we will memorize Philippians 2:8-9.
Paul continues to display the selfless mind of Christ in these verses. Jesus gave up all the glories that belonged to him as God. He became a human – something much smaller. He didn’t come as a King to be served; he served. But Paul says he humbled himself even more as he became obedient to the point of death. We see this in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus struggles with the weight of the suffering he is about to face. He pleads with his Father – “please take this cup from me.” He is about to drink the cup of God’s wrath for sin. Who wouldn’t quake at that thought? But ultimately, he remains obedient – “not my will, but your will be done.” He set his heart to accomplish his Father’s purpose.
But it is no normal death that Jesus faces. After a long night of mocking and beating, he faces the torture of the Roman execution device – the cross. I don’t think humans have invented a worse way to die. Naked, bruised, battered, humiliated, nails piercing hands and feet, every breath is a labor of pain and exhaustion – all of this on display for a crowd that mostly just ridicules him. Worst of all, Jesus declares the words of the psalmist: “my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus feels the separation that sin causes between God and humans who rebel against him. Jesus, the King of the Jews, is lifted up and enthroned on a criminal’s cross.
But Paul says that this humiliation and execution becomes Jesus’ exaltation. Yahweh God looks at the complete submission and service of Jesus his Son in his life and death and declares an even greater glory. This one who counted all others more significant than himself is now given the more significant name than any other name. It again reveals the upside-down nature of God’s kingdom. The humble are lifted up. The weak are shown as strong. The servants are the ones who rule. Jesus’ life and death reveal the true way to be humans made in God’s image.
Let’s respond to these rich verses. We are a few weeks away from Easter when we purposefully remember the death and resurrection of Jesus. Traditionally, many in the church keep the season of Lent, which takes place 40 days before Good Friday. It is a time of dwelling on the death of Jesus, repenting of sin, and renewing our hearts to follow him, even in his sufferings. May these memory verses this week foster those thoughts. May we see the great sacrifice of Jesus, who laid down his life for us. May we recognize the exaltation the Father has given to him, the name above every name. May we consider again the selfless mind of Christ that he has given to us so that we too may count others more significant than ourselves.