Gleanings of Grace

5 Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. 8  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore, God also highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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As Paul called them to unity through humility, he pointed them back to the perfect example of Christ (v. 5). 

Perhaps, this is the most challenging reflection so far. Although, Christ’s incarnation is not new to me, I still felt intimated by the topic given its theological depth. It’s easy to speak academically and say, “That’s the hypostatic union—fully God, fully man.” But to study it in light of Christ’s humiliation and to realize that I am called to walk the same path—felt altogether different. 

By God’s grace, these three points helped me meditate on Christ’s humility:

1) Christ did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped. 

2) Christ emptied Himself. 

3) Christ was obedient to the point of death.

I found myself repeating these words during my morning stretch just to sit with the weight of them more deeply. 

I complemented my study with John MacArthur’s Grace to You podcast, The Humble Love of Christ, and his sermon, The Word Became Flesh. Praise God indeed for faithful preachers whose works continue to edify even beyond their lifetime.

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Christ did not regard equality with God.

“…although existing in the form of God, [He] did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped” (v. 6).

The Greek word for equality, “ἴσος ísos”, denotes sameness in nature and status. 

“…and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)

John identifies Jesus as the λόγος lógos—the eternal Word who was with God and was God. He is fully equal with the Father, and yet He did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped or used for His own advantage.

While I may never fully comprehend what Jesus took on in becoming  man, I see His humility displayed in His earthly relationships.

In his podcast, MacArthur pointed out Christ’s humility in washing His disciples’ feet. Jesus knew His hour had come (John 13:1). He was about to be glorified. He knew the Father had already given all things into His hands, and that He was returning to Him. (John 13:3). 

If anyone deserved honor at that table, it was Christ. With His forthcoming glorification, He should have been given a tribute, much like how we do it in ‘despedida’ gatherings. 

Yet while the disciples were eating, Jesus rose from supper, took a towel, and took on the lowest thing to do—He began washing His disciples feet (John 13:5). 

This struck me deeply.

How many times have I quietly thought to myself:

“I do not deserve this.”

I grew up in a culture where worth and privilege are often tied to achievement—from academic systems that reward performance to workplaces that structure value according to competence and contribution. I’ve measured myself against ‘standards’ that somehow made sense from an earthly standpoint. And so, entitlement can quietly take root in my heart more than I would like to admit.

Yet Christ—who alone had every right to honor and exaltation—willingly took the lowest place. This is a test of heart!

This leads me to ask:

“How should Christ’s example shape the way I view myself and others?”

“Have I kept social biases rooted in pride and self-entitlement?”

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Christ emptied Himself

“…but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men.” (v. 7)

The word κενόω kenóō, or to make empty, was used to describe what Jesus did in taking the form of a servant. Christ did not cease being God. Rather, He willingly took on human flesh and entered the limitations of humanity in order to serve.

Jesus existed before time: “In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1). 

The Greek verb, εἰμί eimí or was, carries a sense of ‘have been’—God has always been unchanging from eternity past. And yet the same unchanging God became flesh…” (John 1:14). 

As MacArthur said:

The Infinite became finite. 

The Eternal entered time. 

The Invisible became visible.

Christ took the form of a servant—not only by washing His disciples feet, but  ultimately by giving His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 23:12). 

‘To serve and not be served.’ 

These are big words to say when discerning ministry opportunities or making major life decisions. But, am I truly living this out in ordinary moments of life? 

• At work, would I willingly inconvenience myself to do entry-level routine or overlooked tasks when I have the capacity to help?

• At home, would I turn my music down so Mama could enjoy watching her series peacefully?

Really, Macy.

Would you rather serve than be served? Would you go as far as emptying yourself to serve others for the name of Christ?

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Christ was obedient to the point of death.

“…He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (v. 8)

While washing their feet, Jesus said to Peter, “…What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will understand afterwards” (John 13:7). The humiliation of washing their feet ultimately pointed to the greater humiliation at the cross. Jesus later prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me, yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:4). Even when Christ’s humanity recoiled at the impending task, He remained obedient to the point  of death—even death on a cross!

And so, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the Name above every name whom every knee will bow and every tongue will confess. (vv. 9–11)

Indeed, this stands true — “But the greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12)

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Christ’s humility was seen in this: He did not cling to His rights, He emptied Himself, and He obeyed the Father even to death.

This is the same example I am called to follow.

May I learn to walk in this same humility knowing that for those who belong to Christ, even death is gain when Christ is the aim of life.