The humility of Christ

Philippians 2: 5 – 11

St. Paul wrote this one of the greatest passage on Lord Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us during lenten season that Lord Jesus Christ humbles Himself to pay the penalty of my sin and yours sins and offered Him for our redemption.

This passage is beautiful & wonderful story of Lord Jesus Christ’s humility, love, obedience, suffering, death and self denial for our sakes. In early Church Christian used to sing this hymn during Lord’s Supper. Human beings always wants to become rich and powerful. No one wants to become poor and weak. But the passage tells us that how Rich & Almighty God became poor & humble for us. “Jesus Christ who was rich yet for our sakes He became poor” 2corn. 8: 9.

(1) What He was (is)?

• Gen. 1:1; 14:22 Jn. 17:5 Creator
• Jn.1:1-3, 17; Col. 1:15-17 Image of invisible God, before the world.
• Is. 6:1-5: Rev. 5:11-12 Holy of Holies Lord, Glory of God
• Jn. 8:58 Greater than patriarchs

(2) What He became for us?

• He became the picture of true humanity. He left His throne in heaven and came down on the earth. Creator Himself became creation for us.
• He had no home on the earth. Lk. 9:58
• He became servant for us. Jn. 1:14; Mtth. 20:28; Heb. 2:17
• He became curse, shame, numbered with criminal for us. Is. 53.

Because of

1. His love. Jn. 15:15 (friends); Jn. 10:11, 15 shepherded
2. To satisfy God’s judgment. Rom. 3: 25-26
3. For our salvation. Heb. 9:12, 26-28; 10:10-14; 13;12; Col. 1:20-22

In contrast Adam & Eve committed sin. They wanted to become like God. Gen. 3:5

Satan or Lucifer wanted to make his throne above God. Is. 14: 12-15 (1st sin in the universe).

Friends, He was rich yet for our sakes became poor. 2Corn. 8:9

Than why or for what most people boast. Even in this world there are many educated, handsome, rich, talented etc. than us.

St. Paul says if you have to boast than boast on the Cross. Gal. 6:14; PS. 34; 2; 44;8: 1corn. 1:31

(3) He emptied Himself: -Vv. 7-8

a. Empty – Kenoun (Gk)
Pouring out from the container until it’s fully empty.

b. He took the form of human. He was (is) God and became human for us.
Lord Jesus Christ was morphe (form of God, divine nature), schema (form of)
fully God and fully human.

He gave His glory (shakina) and became like us.

He felt hunger (Mk. 11:12); thirst (Jn. 4:7); wept (Jn. 11:35); happy (Jn. 15:11);
tired (Lk. 8:23).

But He didn’t sin. Heb. 4:15

c. He became slave. Is. 53; Mtth. 20:28: Jn. 13:5 (washed disciple’s feet).
He did many miracles and healings to glorify His Father, not for own glory and
for the benefit for the others.

d. V. 8:- Obedient even to the death of a cross.
Death on a cross was cruel & painful punishment during Roman reign. It was
only for hard criminals & slaves.

Jew believes that person who dies on cross he/she is beyond God’s grace. Deut.
21:23; Gal. 3:13; Heb. 13:12-13; 1 Pet. 2:24

Nervous parts of His body was nailed (hands & feet), hanged on cross and had
full weight on nailed parts.

(4) Humble shall be exalted. V. 9

• God made Him Lord or Master – Kyrious (Gk.)
• God will exalt humbles. Mtth. 23:12; Lk. 14:11; 18:14
• Every nee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Amen, Hallelujah). Whether rich or poor, good or bad, small or great, righteous or evil, believers or atheist. Is. 45:23; Eph. 6:12.

Conclusion:-

Dear Friends, St. Paul reminds us through this beautiful passage that we should have the humility or attitude of Lord Jesus Christ who was God but for our sakes He became like us. Learn His love, obedience, self denial; sacrifice for others and for Father’s glory. Leave aside your personal issues, personal ambitious, prestige issues etc. and humble yourself. Than surely God will exalt you.

May God bless you.
Rev. Varinder Kumar