According To Philippians 2:5-8 What Direction Did Jesus' Life Take

According to Philippians 2:5-8: The Astonishing Trajectory of Jesus' Life

Philippians 2:5-8 offers a breathtaking glimpse into the life of Jesus Christ, revealing a trajectory of self-emptying humility that stands in stark contrast to the ambition and self-aggrandizement so prevalent in the world. This passage isn't merely a historical account; it's a theological blueprint for Christian living, showing us the path to true greatness as defined by God. Understanding this passage requires careful consideration of its context within the letter to the Philippians and its implications for our own lives.

The Context of Philippians 2:5-8

Paul's letter to the Philippians is brimming with joy and gratitude. He celebrates their unwavering faith and unwavering support, even amidst his own imprisonment. Yet, he also addresses internal conflicts within the Philippian church, urging them towards unity and humility. Philippians 2:1-4 serves as a powerful introduction to this plea for unity, calling on the believers to share the same mind and purpose. This call for unity is directly linked to the example of Christ, which is then expounded upon in verses 5-11. Therefore, understanding the passage's context is crucial – it's not merely a detached account of Jesus' life, but a powerful exhortation to emulate his example.

The Self-Emptying of Jesus: "In the form of God" (v.6)

The passage begins with a powerful declaration: "Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped." (Philippians 2:5-6, ESV). This verse immediately establishes Jesus' pre-incarnate divinity. He existed "in the form of God," possessing the inherent attributes and glory of deity. He wasn't simply like God; he was God.

This is a critical point often misunderstood. It’s not suggesting a time when Jesus wasn't God, but rather emphasizes his pre-existing divine nature before his incarnation. The phrase "form of God" highlights the essence of his being, his inherent divinity. This wasn't something he acquired or earned; it was his inherent nature. The Greek word morphe (form) speaks to the outward manifestation of his divine essence. He possessed all the attributes of deity, yet he didn't cling to those attributes for personal gain or glory.

The phrase, "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped," is profoundly significant. Jesus, possessing all the power and glory of God, did not see his divinity as a means to assert dominance or demand worship. He didn't cling to the privileges of his divine nature but chose a different path. This speaks to the incredible humility and self-denial at the heart of Jesus's life. He willingly relinquished the prerogatives of deity for the sake of humanity. This wasn't a reluctant surrender; it was a conscious, deliberate choice.

The Significance of "Grasped"

The Greek word translated as "grasped" (ἁρπάγμῳ - harpagmō) carries the connotation of seizing, snatching, or violently taking something for oneself. It’s not a gentle act of receiving; it's a forceful appropriation. This imagery powerfully illustrates the contrast between Jesus’s approach and the self-serving ambition often found in human leadership. Jesus didn't aggressively demand his rightful place as God; he humbly chose to serve.

The Humiliation of Jesus: "But emptied himself" (v.7)

Following the assertion of Jesus' divinity, the passage dramatically shifts: "But emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." (Philippians 2:7, ESV). This is the crux of the passage, highlighting the astonishing act of kenosis (self-emptying). Jesus, who was eternally God, deliberately emptied himself of the privileges and prerogatives of his divine nature.

This "emptying" wasn't a denial of his divinity, but a voluntary relinquishment of its outward manifestations. He didn't cease to be God; he chose to temporarily set aside the outward expressions of his divine power and glory to become one with humanity. He took on the "form of a servant," a doulos (slave) in the Greek. This wasn't a metaphorical servitude; it points to a radical act of self-humiliation.

The Significance of "Form of a Servant"

The phrase "form of a servant" emphasizes the visible manifestation of his humble state. He didn't just act like a servant; he became one, experiencing the limitations and vulnerabilities of human existence. This is not merely a change in role; it’s a profound transformation in status and experience.

Born in the Likeness of Men

The statement "being born in the likeness of men" emphasizes the complete humanity of Jesus. He wasn't merely a divine being temporarily inhabiting a human body; he truly became a man, sharing our human nature in its entirety, except for sin. This complete humanity is crucial for understanding his sacrifice and atonement for our sins. He experienced the full spectrum of human emotions, struggles, and temptations, yet remained sinless.

The Obedience and Humility of Jesus: "And being found in human form" (v.8)

The passage concludes this section with: "And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8, ESV). This verse underlines the culmination of Jesus's self-emptying: his obedience to the Father's will, leading to his sacrificial death on the cross.

Obedience unto Death

Jesus’s obedience wasn't a passive submission; it was an active, deliberate choice to fulfill God's plan for salvation. He faced unimaginable suffering, rejection, and betrayal, yet remained obedient to the Father. His death on the cross wasn't a defeat, but the ultimate act of self-giving love. It was the ultimate expression of his humility and obedience.

The Cross: The Culmination of Humility

The cross is the ultimate symbol of humility and self-sacrifice. It represents the utter rejection of self-promotion and the embrace of suffering for the sake of others. Jesus, the King of kings, chose the most humiliating death imaginable, proving the depth of his love and commitment to humanity.

The Implications for Christian Living

Philippians 2:5-8 isn't simply a historical account; it's a powerful call to action for all Christians. It challenges us to adopt the same mindset as Christ, embracing humility and self-sacrifice in our daily lives. This involves:

• Prioritizing others over ourselves: Imitating Christ's self-emptying requires us to put the needs of others before our own desires and ambitions.
• Embracing humility: True greatness is found in humility, not in self-promotion or the pursuit of power. We are called to serve others, not to lord it over them.
• Living a life of obedience: We are to follow Christ's example by obeying God's commands, even when it's difficult or costly.
• Facing adversity with grace: Just as Christ faced suffering and rejection, we must be prepared to endure hardship and persecution for our faith.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:5-8 unveils the astonishing trajectory of Jesus' life – a journey from the heights of divine glory to the depths of human suffering, driven by unwavering humility and obedience. This passage serves as a timeless model for Christian living, challenging us to step away from self-centered ambition and embrace the transformative power of self-emptying love. It's a call to follow in Christ's footsteps, emulating his humility and obedience, and thereby experiencing the true meaning of greatness as defined by God himself. The path Jesus took, a path of self-emptying service and ultimate sacrifice, remains the ultimate guide for a life well-lived, a life that truly honors God and blesses humanity. It is a journey of continuous self-reflection, ensuring that our actions align with the selfless example set forth in these powerful verses. The more deeply we contemplate this passage, the more profoundly it will shape our understanding of Christ and our commitment to a life lived in His image.