Phlippians 2:5-11
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. – Phlippians 2:5
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In Asian cultures, we understand the importance of hierarchy, respect, and preserving “face.” From childhood, we learn to honour our elders, respect authority, and maintain social harmony. This passage shows us a paradox: Jesus, who held the highest possible position as Son of God, set aside his position, looked past his own honour and “face”, and demonstrated for us what humility truly is. Jesus didn’t merely possess divine attributes, He existed in the very essence of God. Yet verse 6 tells us He “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” The Greek word for “grasped” suggests clinging to something for personal advantage. In other words, Jesus chose NOT to cling to his status for his own advantage. He “made himself nothing” and literally “emptied himself.” This isn’t about losing His divinity, but about voluntarily setting aside His divine privileges. Jesus’ example was against the cultural norms of his time. For first-century readers, it was unimaginable. For us in Asia, where honour and shame carry deep cultural weight, it’s equally radical. In Singapore, where climbing the corporate ladder, gaining recognition, achieving status and getting all the advantages we can to have a better life are paramount, Jesus’ choice seems irrational and unrealistic. In our culture, where success is often measured by performance, wealth, position, and social standing, we’re expected to secure our children’s futures and maintain family reputation with whatever advantages we can gain. Jesus’ choice seems incomprehensible then. It is as incomprehensible now to our modern mind. Yet, Jesus did so. That’s how much He loves us! He became a servant, took on human flesh, and ultimately accepted the most shameful death imaginable—crucifixion. As we recognise how much Jesus has done for us, may we be encouraged to walk in his footsteps.
Application:
Consider how this applies to our daily lives. At Work: Do we step on others to get the promotion we want, or lift others up alongside? When younger colleagues seek guidance, do we see them as competition or as people to mentor? Choose collaboration over competition. Use your experience to mentor younger colleagues rather than view them as threats. Practice integrity in business dealings, even when it may cost you financially. In Family: Practice servant leadership with your spouse and children. Listen more than you speak. Put their needs before your own convenience. Learn to go down to your children’s level to relate to them. In Community: At gatherings, do we boast about achievements or genuinely inquire about others’ well-being? Seek to honour others above yourself, especially those society overlooks, such as migrant workers, single parents, or elderly neighbours. Use your resources and influence to serve rather than to impress.
The passage doesn’t end with Jesus’ death. God “exalted him to the highest place” because of His humility. When we follow Christ’s example of selfless service, we discover that true greatness comes not from climbing higher, but from stooping lower in love. In losing our lives for others, we find the abundant life Christ promises. The same God who exalted Jesus will honour those who walk in His humble footsteps.
Prayer:
Lord, we pray for the mind of Christ to be upon us that we might value and display the same humility that Jesus showed. Help us to look to the interests of others and serve them even when it is at our expense, as Christ had done for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Click to read
In Asian cultures, we understand the importance of hierarchy, respect, and preserving “face.” From childhood, we learn to honour our elders, respect authority, and maintain social harmony. This passage shows us a paradox: Jesus, who held the highest possible position as Son of God, set aside his position, looked past his own honour and “face”, and demonstrated for us what humility truly is. Jesus didn’t merely possess divine attributes, He existed in the very essence of God. Yet verse 6 tells us He “did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” The Greek word for “grasped” suggests clinging to something for personal advantage. In other words, Jesus chose NOT to cling to his status for his own advantage. He “made himself nothing” and literally “emptied himself.” This isn’t about losing His divinity, but about voluntarily setting aside His divine privileges. Jesus’ example was against the cultural norms of his time. For first-century readers, it was unimaginable. For us in Asia, where honour and shame carry deep cultural weight, it’s equally radical. In Singapore, where climbing the corporate ladder, gaining recognition, achieving status and getting all the advantages we can to have a better life are paramount, Jesus’ choice seems irrational and unrealistic. In our culture, where success is often measured by performance, wealth, position, and social standing, we’re expected to secure our children’s futures and maintain family reputation with whatever advantages we can gain. Jesus’ choice seems incomprehensible then. It is as incomprehensible now to our modern mind. Yet, Jesus did so. That’s how much He loves us! He became a servant, took on human flesh, and ultimately accepted the most shameful death imaginable—crucifixion. As we recognise how much Jesus has done for us, may we be encouraged to walk in his footsteps.
Application:
Consider how this applies to our daily lives. At Work: Do we step on others to get the promotion we want, or lift others up alongside? When younger colleagues seek guidance, do we see them as competition or as people to mentor? Choose collaboration over competition. Use your experience to mentor younger colleagues rather than view them as threats. Practice integrity in business dealings, even when it may cost you financially. In Family: Practice servant leadership with your spouse and children. Listen more than you speak. Put their needs before your own convenience. Learn to go down to your children’s level to relate to them. In Community: At gatherings, do we boast about achievements or genuinely inquire about others’ well-being? Seek to honour others above yourself, especially those society overlooks, such as migrant workers, single parents, or elderly neighbours. Use your resources and influence to serve rather than to impress.
The passage doesn’t end with Jesus’ death. God “exalted him to the highest place” because of His humility. When we follow Christ’s example of selfless service, we discover that true greatness comes not from climbing higher, but from stooping lower in love. In losing our lives for others, we find the abundant life Christ promises. The same God who exalted Jesus will honour those who walk in His humble footsteps.
Prayer:
Lord, we pray for the mind of Christ to be upon us that we might value and display the same humility that Jesus showed. Help us to look to the interests of others and serve them even when it is at our expense, as Christ had done for us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.