Philippians 2:6–11 is a significant passage that provides profound insights into the nature and identity of Jesus Christ. The “Christ Hymn” earns its name as an early Christian hymn or creed that emphasizes the humility and exaltation of Jesus Christ.
In these verses, the Apostle Paul provides a rich theological reflection on Jesus Christ’s incarnation, life, death, and exaltation, emphasizing his humanity and divinity.
Philippians 2:6–11
Although he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of an enslaved person and appeared in human form.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
As a result, God has exalted him greatly, bestowing upon him the name above all names, resulting in every knee bowing and every tongue confessing Jesus Christ as Lord, bringing glory to God the Father.
Key Points
Despite being God, Jesus humbled himself and did not hold on to his divine privileges.
Incarnation: Jesus took on human form, being born as a servant.
Obedience and Sacrifice: Jesus humbled himself further by obeying God unto death, even death on the cross.
Exaltation: God exalted Jesus and bestowed his name above all names.
Universal Recognition: Every knee and tongue will bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Jesus as God in the Scriptures
The Bible contains numerous passages that confirm Jesus Christ’s divinity. Let’s explore some scriptures that testify to Jesus’ being God and one with the Father.
John 1:1-3
“In the beginning, there was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. God made all things through Jesus Christ, and nothing exists today that was not made by Him and through Him.”
John the Apostle refers to Jesus as the “Word” (Logos), who was with God initially and identified as God. This passage underscores Jesus’ eternal existence and his role in creation.
John 10:30
“I and the Father are one.”
Jesus declares his unity with the Father, emphasizing their oneness in nature and essence. This statement affirms Jesus’ divinity and his equality with God.
Colossians 1:15-20
He is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn of all creation.
And he is before all things; in him, all things hold together.
This passage highlights Jesus as the image of the invisible God and the creator of all things. It emphasizes his preeminence, authority, and sustenance over all creation.
Hebrews 1:3
“He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.”
Jesus is the exact imprint of God’s nature and the one who sustains the universe through his powerful Word. This verse underscores Jesus’ divine nature and his role in upholding and maintaining everything.
Titus 2:13
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”
In this verse, Jesus is called “our great God and Savior,” highlighting his divine identity and role in salvation.
Conclusion
Philippians 2:6–11 perfectly encapsulates the mystery of the incarnation, humility, and exaltation of Jesus Christ. It affirms that Jesus, though in the form of God, humbled himself to the point of death on the cross, and as a result, God highly exalted him and bestowed upon him the name above all names.
This passage and numerous other scriptures testify to Jesus Christ’s divinity, his oneness with the Father, and his central role in creation, sustenance, and salvation. As believers, we have a calling to recognize, worship, and proclaim Jesus as Lord, bringing glory to God the Father.
