Start by reading Philippians 2:1-11 

Let's focus on verses 6-8 to help us see some implications for our lives. 

Starting in verse 6 - “...Christ Jesus, who, though 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.” 

Paul says that Jesus is God, but He didn’t consider it “something to be grasped.” He didn’t have to because He was never in danger of not being God. The word translated “something to be grasped” is also translated as “something to be used to his own advantage”. The truth here is that Jesus was God and with God, and not for a second did He try to clutch onto that position of glory and privilege so that he could keep it for Himself. He didn’t leave heaven as if He was falling off a cliff grasping at air. He came willingly, joyfully, and humbly “taking the very nature of a servant.”

Just read the gospels and you’ll see His repeated acts as a servant to His disciples. Matthew 20:28 Jesus says “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve”. One of the greatest ways that we see this expressed is in Hebrews 4:15 & 16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 

He is completely able to sympathize and help us because He was like us in every way except without sin. 

So now, when you look back at the commands at the beginning of Philippians 2, you’ll have great confidence to approach the throne of grace for help. The ability to follow any commands is based fully on the merit of Christ’s obedience, death, and resurrection.  

During these difficult times let’s look to Jesus. We are reminded of His suffering for us, especially during this time at Easter, so that we can approach the throne of grace because He’s still serving us- even now.

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