King of Kings (Philippians 2)
By Lindsey Campbell
In some workplaces, it is fashionable for managers to go “Back to the floor” or “Undercover”. Exchanging smart suits for overalls and boots, they experience the life of the “average” worker. Often however, such exercises become sanitised due to the managers’ lack of expertise and experience “on the job” hampering their efforts. Normal arrangements are disrupted and the exercise may be conducted with cynicism on both sides. Then soon enough, the managers return to the safety of their offices, and drive home in their company cars. Work returns to normal and everyone relaxes back into their “proper” roles.
This scenario is in stark contrast to Jesus’ attitude described by Paul:
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross! - Phil 2:5-8
This was no “Back to the floor” or “Undercover Boss” story. This was not an exercise in showing camaraderie, a brief inconvenience, or a cunning disguise. Jesus genuinely chose to give up His divine privileges and equality with God with no route to retreat back to the safety and glory of heaven when things got tough (John 17 v 4-5). The Son of God’s sacrifice began when he chose to fully undertake this demeaning task – to allow His divine being to be “trimmed down” to reside within an earthly, created body. He took a lowly position where he would be subjected to poverty, suffering, humiliation, thankless service, mockery, hatred, betrayal and ultimately, cruel torture and death (2 Cor 8:9).
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Phil 2:9-11
As a result of this genuine commitment and ultimate service, God bestowed upon Jesus the name above all other names. He was made King above all kings and Lord above all lords (Rev 17:14; Rev 19:16). His kingship wasn’t just a “family succession plan” – he earned His place through winning the ultimate victory – over all of death and hell.
Jesus willingly relinquished the glory of heaven and took the path of humility. Not as a cynical exercise but to be our substitute in the punishment we deserve (2 Cor 5:21). He knows us and understands our challenges, trials and pain. In our interactions, fellowship, service and prayer, let us have the attitude of Christ, our Servant King. Let us humble ourselves and live in obedience to His will (1Tim 6:11-15).
This is our fifth passage in a series looking at Jesus as a passionate bridegroom, a sovereign king & a righteous judge - three descriptions that are emphasised together in various places in the Scriptures, not least by Jesus Himself in the context of His return (Mt 24-25). We invite you to consider this passage with us throughout the remainder of February.