Tuesday 31 December 2024
And being found in human form, he humbled himself. (vs 7-8)
Background
This week’s theme is 'Christ the Lord' and today’s reading reinforces yesterday’s affirmation of the divine importance of Jesus: “the name that is above every name” (v. 9) and “Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (v. 11).
However, such an endorsement of the supremacy of Jesus is – paradoxically – based on his humility, his willingness to be a servant of everyone and, above all, his obedience to death, “even death on a cross” (v. 8). These facts comprise the cornerstone of Christian faith down through the ages.
It is also important to understand the context of this particular letter of Paul. It was written to a small Christian community in Macedonia, the first church established in Europe, in around 50 AD. Philippi was a Roman colony and a hostile environment for the new Christians. One of the reasons for the letter was to address the divisions that had arisen within the fellowship. In chapters 1 and 2, Paul sets out to identify with their suffering by referencing his own stay in prison and articulates the suffering of Jesus Christ on behalf of humanity.
It is because of his obedience to God's wishes that Jesus is exalted. The divine mission was to become fully human in order to give humanity the example of how to live and love well. To do this, in an act of divine self-denial, Jesus was born in human likeness (v. 7).
To demonstrate the highest form of humility, obedience and selfless love, Jesus even allowed himself to be crucified on a cross. Paul is writing these words to encourage the church in Philippi to remember why they are followers of Christ.
The true glory of God is revealed in love. Such selfless love, in human terms, is manifested in humility. It is the supreme act of humility for Jesus (God’s son) to die on a cross, enabling believers to be freed up to live and love well again.
Today’s reading from Philippians, a majestic hymn of praise, gives us an example to follow. May we, this day, have the possibility to glimpse the glory of God’s kingdom, where Jesus is Lord.
To Ponder:
- St Bernard of Clairvaux wrote that “humility is the mother of salvation.” Take some time today to meditate on those words.
- You may like to read or sing Charles Wesley’s great hymn 'Let earth and heaven combine' (Singing the Faith 208). A line repeated throughout is “Our God is manifest below”. For this we give thanks to God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Prayer
On the eve of a new year, we remember people who have died or moved away during 2024 and who showed us true humility and love. In our own living, in the coming year, may we enable others to glimpse God’s kingdom. Amen.
Bible notes author: Michael King
Michael is a Methodist local preacher in Salisbury and was Vice-President of the Conference in 2018.