Scripture
6 Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection
Before becoming human, Jesus pre-existed in glory and in equality with God but unlike Adam and all of humanity who tried to seize equality with God, Jesus chose not to exploit his status as God rather he emptied himself of status, became human, he became a servant of humanity but even more he allowed himself to be humiliated by being obedient to the Father by going to his death through Roman execution. Through God’s power Jesus’ death has been reversed by his resurrection and now God has highly exalted Jesus as the king of all; giving him the name that is above all names. In the things that happened to Jesus we can know who he is and we can know who God is. We also have an example to follow – Jesus (thebibleproject.com) (Ps. Dale).
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God and Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about people?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Pray for people to join the work of proclaiming the good news, “Jesus is Risen”, to a lost and dying world.
