Philippians 2:5-11
Read Philippians 2:5-11
Helpful Background Information:
The Apostle Paul wrote Philippians during his first imprisonment in Rome around 60 - 62 A.D. We see this fact in the letter itself, as Paul mentions the “Palace Guard” (Phil. 1:13) and the “saints of Caesar’s household” (Phil. 4:22). His reason for writing to them was fourfold: to express his thankfulness for the Philippians’ financial gift to him (Phil. 4:10-18), to explain why he returned Epaphroditus to them so they wouldn’t think he failed in his service to Paul (Phil. 2:25-26), to inform them about his circumstances in Rome (Phil. 1:12-26), and to urge them to be unified in the Gospel (Phil. 2:1-2; 4:2).
In our passage today, Paul illustrates the attitude the Philippians must adopt if they’re going to have unity: humility. And no one exemplified this unity more than Jesus Christ in his earthly ministry. Philippians 2:5-11 is widely considered to be an early Christian hymn or poem that would’ve been recited by Christians in the early days of the church. This Christ-hymn is a theological gold mine - affirming Jesus Christ as God, his pre-existence, his humble obedience to the Father while on earth, his death and resurrection, and his current place of glory in heaven.
Connecting the Christ-hymn to the transfiguration back in Mark 9:1-13, we see both Christ’s humility in his earthly mission and his glorified state in the same passage! During the transfiguration itself, Jesus Christ is dazzlingly white and lifts the veil of his full glory, which is exactly how he looks now as he reigns in heaven. Hence, it is fitting to say that the Transfiguration was a foreshadowing of Jesus’ exaltation by the Father at his ascension. Both the Apostle Paul in Acts 9:1-7 and John in Revelation 1:12-16 see Jesus in this state. However, before and after the transfiguration, Jesus in humility “emptied himself” of his glory - not that he ceased to be God while on earth - but he veiled his glory to function as the Messiah. In humility, he did not seek his own glory, but humbly served others and went to the cross to complete his mission to save sinners.
Reflection Questions:
Paul’s call to model the humble mindset of Christ is not one we do out of our own strength, but because the Holy Spirit enables us from the heart to be humble like Christ. In what relationships or situations are you being called to "empty yourself" and serve others selflessly?
How does it change your view of Jesus to know that he veiled his glory to become a servant, yet remained fully God?
→ How do the moments of glory (like the Transfiguration) help you trust in the ultimate victory and authority of Jesus?
Jesus had all authority and glory, yet chose to come in the form of a servant. What does this say about true greatness in God’s kingdom?