The Mind of Christ

18 Days Until Easter

Philippians 2:5–8

“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 emptied himself, by 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.”

In this passage Paul invites believers to adopt a completely different way of thinking about life and leadership. He says that we should have the same mindset that was found in Christ Jesus. The Christian life is not only about outward behavior. It begins with the transformation of the mind and heart.

Paul then describes the posture of Jesus.

Although Christ existed in the form of God, He did not treat His equality with God as something to be grasped or exploited. Instead He willingly humbled Himself. He took on the form of a servant and entered into human life. The Creator stepped into His own creation.

This is one of the most remarkable truths in all of Scripture.

Jesus did not simply appear human. He fully stepped into the limitations of humanity. He experienced hunger, exhaustion, sorrow, and rejection. The One who possessed all authority chose the path of humility.

I think the reality is that the higher someone climbs in leadership and influence, the easier it becomes to double down on the idea that they are skilled and qualified. The more responsibility a person carries, the more natural it can feel to lean into personal ability and reputation. Yet Jesus gives the ultimate example that even though He was the living embodiment of perfection, He still chose the path of humility.

And that humility did not stop with His incarnation.

Paul explains that Jesus humbled Himself even further by becoming obedient to the point of death. Not just any death, but death on a cross. In the ancient world the cross was the most humiliating form of execution imaginable. It was designed not only to end a life but to publicly shame the person being crucified.

Yet Jesus willingly walked that path.

This passage reminds us that the story of Easter is not only about the victory of the resurrection. It is also about the humility that led Jesus to the cross in the first place. The Son of God willingly lowered Himself so that humanity could be lifted up.

Paul begins this passage by telling believers to have the same mindset as Christ. That means the Christian life is shaped by humility, service, and obedience to God. The path of Jesus was not one of self-exaltation but one of surrender.

And through that surrender came redemption.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the humility of Jesus. Thank You that He willingly stepped into our world and humbled Himself for our sake. Help me grow in the same mindset of humility, service, and obedience in my own life. In Jesus’ name, amen.