The Attitude of Christ Jesus
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,
6 who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
7 Instead he emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when he had come as a man,
8 he humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)
Continuing from yesterday’s point, that believers are to take on the same humble attitude of Christ, Paul further explains all the details of what Christ did and sacrificed, all for our benefit. Starting with verse 5, “Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus.” Every believer’s day-to-day goal in life should be to be more and more like our Savior Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate example of what it means to be humble, to be loving, and to be selfless.
Verse 6, we see that Jesus always existed “in the form of God.” Even before time began, we see in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Yet, Jesus was willing to step down from heaven temporarily and set aside the privileges of being God. As an important note, while He was on earth, He was still God.
Then, in verse 7, Jesus “emptied Himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity.” Commentator Charles C. Ryrie explains importantly, “Christ didn’t become any less God, but He chose not to use some of His divine attributes. This involved a veiling of His preincarnate glory and the voluntary nonuse of some of His divine prerogatives during the time He was on earth…Christ could have come to earth in His true position as King of the universe. Instead, He took the role of a servant. The Creator chose to serve His creatures.” It is especially evident of this humble attitude, that before His death, Christ chose to wash the feet of His disciples.
Finally, in verse 8, this attitude of humility is at its zenith at the cross, “And when He had come as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross.” Stepping down as the King of the universe was humbling. Taking on the position of servant was humbling. But, to take on the death of a criminal, even though He was completely innocent, all for the sake of others, that is Christ’s level of humility. Christ laid down His life for His sheep that He loved. That same attitude of love and humility is something that every believer should strive for each and every day.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
