Week Four: Philippians 2:5-11
*5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.*
Commentary
The passage employs a **chiastic structure**, named after the Greek letter Chi (X), used extensively throughout ancient biblical texts as a memory device. The formatting creates a mirror pattern where meanings echo symmetrically:
**A:** Jesus recognized as God in Heaven **B:** Jesus became servant-like **C:** Jesus humbled himself to lowest point **D:** Jesus died on the cross **C':** God raised Jesus to highest level **B':** Jesus became Lord of all **A':** Jesus recognized as God throughout universe
The central point -- Christ's crucifixion -- receives emphasis as the passage's core theological claim. Two key interpretations emerge:
1. **Divine Sacrifice:** Paul emphasizes strongly that Jesus is God. So it was actually God who died on the cross, not just a human person. This addresses criticisms that God unjustly sacrificed his son. Rather, God himself gave everything for humanity.
2. **Servant Leadership:** Jesus taught that true leaders must first serve followers. Those who humble themselves receive God's rewards. This principle should guide believers' own lives, though practicing genuine humility proves challenging.
Questions for Reflection
1. Why might ancient writers have employed chiastic structures?
2. What other significant elements appear in this pattern?
3. Why did Paul position Jesus' crucifixion as the central focal point?
4. How can you cultivate humility in daily life, and what obstacles hinder this practice?
Passage for Memory
*Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 2:10-11*
Prayer Time
1. Express gratitude for Christ's death providing new life.
2. Request assistance in careful scripture study.
3. Ask for help developing authentic humility.
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*Children's Colouring-in Activity created by Anna-Mieke Mulholland, 2020:*