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
Holy Week is not far off. During this special week in the life of the church, we ponder once again the deep meaning of Jesus' death. As we think of what that death means for us and for the world, Paul reminds us of the humble nature of Jesus' ministry and death. He emptied himself and became obedient unto death. He did not use his status as a club to decide who was "in" and who was "out." He submitted to the powers that opposed him and died.
As we think of Jesus' death, it would be good to ponder its deeper meaning for us... It is true that "Jesus died for our sins," but what else might his death mean? How does Jesus' death have cosmic implications, affecting the whole creation, having a deeper meaning than only our personal salvation? In this day of inter-faith and inter-religious dialogue and relationships, what does it mean when Paul says that someday every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord? How will that inform our relationships with others?
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to ponder and discover the deeper meanings to Jesus' death. Amen.