I love how this month people all around join us in singing songs that celebrate Christ’s coming and in reading the story of Jesus. Do we really know Jesus, though? The Apostle Paul instructs, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Through Paul’s pen, the Holy Spirit blesses us with an excellent introduction to Jesus in Philippians 2:6-11.
Jesus, in the form of God (2:6-7). Before there was a baby in a manger, there was the Word, “in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2). He is “the image of the invisible God”, and “all things were created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:15-18). Yet, Jesus did not consider His oneness with God “a thing to be grasped”, using it for His personal gain. Instead, He “emptied himself” for someone else’s good: ours.
Jesus, in the form of a servant (2:7-8). Leaving Heaven for earth, Jesus could have been “born in the likeness of men” into a family with wealth or influence. Instead, He was born poor (Luke 2:24). He grew up without an impressive formal education and was practically homeless during His ministry (Matthew 13:53-56, Luke 9:58). Yet, He lived every day full of God’s love: He “came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Jesus, obedient to death and highly exalted (2:8-11). There was a purpose to Jesus’ humble humanity: He was tempted just like we are but never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). Dying on the cross for our sins, He became a perfect sacrifice and example for us (I Peter 2:20-25). He not only overcame sin but also death when He rose from the grave and returned to God, reigning until that time when He comes again to destroy those enemies once and for all (Hebrews 10:12-14, I Corinthians 15:20-28).
Yet, Paul’s challenge for us is not just to know Jesus did these things but to know Him and develop His mindset ourselves. Do we count “others more significant” than ourselves (2:3)? Are we looking out for “the interests of others” (2:4)? God did not highly exalt Jesus so that we would occasionally or even frequently just talk about what He did. He did it so we could share in His glory by becoming like Him ourselves.
Ready to learn from Jesus how to really serve? Check out our “Make Me a Servant” series on our sermon podcast page.