“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Introduction
Paul, writing to the church in Philippi, invites followers of Christ to share in a mindset that shapes community, worship, and daily living. Philippians 2:5-8 presents a formative portrait of Jesus that calls believers to humility, obedience, and self-giving love. The passage is not a mere description of Christ’s actions but a pattern for our own hearts and choices as we live out the gospel in ordinary life and in times of trial.
Historical-Cultural Context and Authorship
The letter to the Philippians is a warm, personal note from the Apostle Paul, written to a beloved Christian community established in Philippi. Likely penned while Paul was in a time of cross-cultural mission and possible imprisonment, the letter emphasizes joy, unity, and steadfastness in the gospel. The Christ Hymn in Philippians 2:6-11, which includes the words about Jesus emptying himself and becoming a servant, is a central theological centerpiece that resonates with first-century Greco-Roman ideas of status and honor. It presents a counter-cultural, counter-ego posture that aligns with God’s redemptive plan revealed through Jesus.
Characters and Places
This passage centers on Jesus Christ, who, though in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. It highlights Jesus’ twofold nature: divine preexistence and incarnate humility. The text also speaks of “the form of a servant” and of becoming obedient to the point of death on a cross. While no human characters are named beyond Jesus, the passage invites the Philippian church—and all readers in every place—to understand themselves in relation to Christ’s self-emptying love. The cadence of “mind among yourselves” points toward communal life and mutual care within the congregation.
Explanation and Meaning of the Text
This passage presents a divine paradox: existing in the form of God, Jesus did not cling to equality but emptied himself. The original language emphasizes Jesus’ choice to forgo privilege in order to fulfill God’s salvific mission. He took the form of a servant and became human, living among us in true humanity. The climax is obedience to the point of death, even death on a cross, demonstrating the depth of God’s love and the standard by which believers are to measure their own lives: humility, obedience, and self-giving servanthood. The “mind” to which Paul calls us is modeled by Christ—an orientation that seeks others’ good, yields status for the sake of the gospel, and trusts God’s redemptive plan even in suffering. In application, followers are urged to cultivate humility, with actions that reflect Christ’s selfless love in relationships, work, and community life, trusting that God exalts what He unites in servant-hearted fidelity.
Devotional
In the quiet spaces of our days, may we hold the mind of Christ—where love overwrites pride, where service becomes a rhythm of daily life, and where obedience to God’s word shapes our choices. Let us remember that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured not by visibility or power but by faithfulness to Christ’s example of emptying ourselves for others, even when it costs us. May the Spirit stir within us a courageous humility that honors others, serves generously, and trusts God’s gracious plan, knowing that Christ’s path of self-giving is the path to true life.
May we daily meditate on the cruciform life of Jesus, inviting His Spirit to renew our desires, reframe our ambitions, and empower us to live out the mind among ourselves that He demonstrated for us all.