This is one of my favorite Easter passages, though few associate it with the season. It’s actually a hymn with a short opening line to set the stage. I can imagine the early followers of Jesus singing this…and it makes me feel strong in my faith as I contemplate the depth of our ancient roots. My faith is built on many who loved, worshiped and served before me.
I love the depth of meaning in the simplicity of the words. How much depth? My friend Walter Hansen, Seminary Professor for Global Theological Education at Fuller Theological Seminary, has written a wonderful commentary on the book of Philippians. He devotes no fewer than 50 pages to these verses! I read his book and loved it (Walter, you are a brilliant writer) yet even with all that wisdom made available to me, there was still a sense that there is even more to understand about this passage. We simply cannot grasp it all. That’s the beauty of Scripture.
Then again, this is a simple passage. I can post it here, no commentary attached, and it will resonate. Especially at this time of year when we remember what Christ did for us. So without further ado, here it is:
In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude of mind Christ Jesus had:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a human being,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death —
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11