Philippians 2:5-11 (NRSV)
Read Philippians 2:5-11 on biblegateway.com
Verse 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, Verse 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, Verse 7but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, Verse 8he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death- even death on a cross. Verse 9Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, Verse 10so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, Verse 11and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Devotion
This Lent, have you imagined yourself with Jesus? Could you say that you have experienced “the same mind … that was in Christ Jesus”? This would mean going to the extreme limit of self-denial (which might mean emptying ourselves of our pride, self-righteousness, privileged attitudes, etc.). Would we be willing to become a slave and be obedient – unto death? Not an easy question to answer. But the one who has humbled himself, Christ Jesus, and become obedient unto death, deserves all of the praise and exaltation that we can give him.
Prayer
We pause in prayer to praise you, O God, Holy One. We confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God! Amen!