Devotional Reflection on Philippians 2:5–11
“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God,
thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him
the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man,
he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:5–11 (KJV)
In this breathtaking passage, often called the “Christ Hymn,” Paul presents the very heart of the gospel in poetic and theological depth. He begins by urging believers to take on the mindset of Christ. What follows is a profound description of Christ’s descent in humility and His exaltation in glory. This text is not only doctrinally rich but also intensely practical, calling Christians to imitate Christ’s humility in community life.
Reflection
The eternal Son of God, equal with the Father in divine glory, did not cling to His rights but chose to humble Himself. The phrase “made himself of no reputation” (or “emptied himself”) has provoked much theological reflection. It does not mean Christ ceased to be God but that He veiled His glory and embraced the form of a servant. In becoming man, He identified fully with us, yet without sin.
The climax of His obedience was the cross—“even the death of the cross.” Crucifixion was not only physically brutal but socially degrading, reserved for the lowest of criminals. That the Lord of glory willingly bore such shame underscores the depth of His humility and love. Yet humiliation is not the final word. The Father “highly exalted him” and gave Him the supreme name: Lord. This is the vindication of Christ’s obedience and the assurance that His mission is accomplished.
Paul draws out the cosmic significance: every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The hymn thus moves from the depths of self-emptying to the heights of universal acknowledgment. Christ’s story becomes the pattern for Christian life: humility leads to glory, service to exaltation, and suffering to joy in God.
Supporting Scripture
- “The Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
- “Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
- “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
Application
This passage calls us to a radical reorientation of life. In a world that prizes status, recognition, and self-promotion, Paul reminds us that the Christian path is downward before it is upward. To “have the mind of Christ” is to embrace humility, service, and obedience—even when it costs us dearly. Unity in the church comes not from insisting on our rights but from laying them down for the sake of others.
At the same time, this hymn anchors our hope. Just as Christ’s humiliation was followed by exaltation, so those who humble themselves in faith will share in His glory. To confess “Jesus is Lord” is not only the future of the cosmos but the present declaration of the believer. Our daily lives become acts of worship, bowing the knee in obedience and lifting the tongue in praise.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, who humbled Yourself to take the form of a servant and to die for us, give us the same mind of humility and love. Teach us to lay aside pride, to serve willingly, and to live in joyful confession of Your lordship. May every thought, word, and deed bring glory to the Father through You, our exalted Savior. Amen.
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