Philippians 2:8– Obedient unto the death of the cross

And being found in fashion as a human, He humbles Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

What was called ‘emptying’ in the previous verse is called ‘humbling’ here. And what was there called “taking the form of a slave,” is here called “becoming obedient unto death, even, the death of the cross.” The two verses run parallel – they say the same thing, but in different words.

It was a humiliation for Him who was the unique Son of God to become a slave and to drink down to the last drop the cup of suffering that God held out to Him. “Not my will, but Thy will be done.” While He first saw another army of Roman soldiers fall over in the garden of Gethsemane (John 18:6), He then made Himself available to be captured. And to be condemned in absolute innocence to the death penalty, yes, to the death of the cross. This was the way that God showed Him and that He willingly walked as an obedient slave.

What a disposition of Christ Jesus! He trusted his God and looked to the joy set before Him (Heb.12:2). Therefore He disregarded the shame and endured the cross.

Delen: