Self-Willed Abasement

Basilica San Marco, Venice. It wasn't until years after Paul wrote to Philippi that the Church
would adorn her buildings with crosses. 

Scripture

Phil. 2:7b And being found in human form,

               ⁸ he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross.

Observation

To try to put into words what this passage means for us seems futile. The mystery of what Christ has done for us is almost incomprehensible, and that may be why it’s so hard for many to accept. What Jesus did for us was intentional, an act of his own will that led to his abasement. Jesus serves as a pattern for the moral life of the Philippians because “his humility is self-willed.” (Flemming, NBBC) Jesus chooses to humble himself, becoming like a servant. 

The death that he experienced, his execution, was that of a servant or slave. “In fact, it was so common for slaves to be crucified in the Roman world that crucifixion came to be known as the ‘slaves’ punishment.’” (Hellerman 2005, 146–47) This was so abhorrent that we begin to see the picture forming in our minds, and that of the Philippians. They would never have worn crosses around their neck, or put crosses on their buildings. This was the divine scandal, because the cross was reserved for the very worst, and yet, this is the path that Jesus intentionally chose. 

Application

I have to be honest that I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that we are facing these days. We are in the midst of a global pandemic, an economic recession, societal injustice, racial tensions, and Pentecost. What a time to stop and focus on Jesus as a model for our lives, and what an opportunity to follow his example. Jesus didn’t fight for his own rights, but he willingly shared them with all of us. He chose to be an example for us, humbling himself, allowing the world to treat him as a slave, and was executed in the worst way possible, on a cross. 

The whole point that Paul is trying to make is that the life of a believer who is “in” Christ speaks louder than words. We have the words of Christ, but it’s here in this first century letter to a church that Paul reminds disciples to become like Jesus. This is a call for us to intentionally lay down our rights for those of others. This is a journey on which we travel, day in and day out, pouring ourselves out for the needs of those whom we are called to love and to serve. 

The church in Philippi was in foreign territory, a city that completely misunderstood these new Christians and their actions, and yet, this was not to dissuade them from following the humility of Christ. They were to reflect Jesus in their love for one another, and for those within their communities. 

Self-willed abasement is intentional action on the part of a Christ-follower that puts the needs of others above self. If every follower of Jesus Christ lived this way it would change the world. Those are not just trite words, but words that ought to prod us on to examining our own lives and asking the light of Christ to shine into the deepest corners of our motivations, and naiveté. Do we really want to know if there is something inside of us that may be fueling the flames of injustice in this world? If we were honest, probably most of us do not because it is uncomfortable, but the call from Paul is for willful examination of the self in light of Jesus. If we are going to follow Jesus on this journey then we must welcome the Spirit’s inspection of our lives, and then put action to words, intentionally seeking to live the poured-out life of Christ. The good news is, that because of Pentecost, we are empowered for this kind of living. The power of Pentecost ought to be reflected in the actions of Jesus’ followers. 

Prayer

Lord, today I pray for peace, knowing that this must begin with me. May my attitudes and actions reflect You. Amen.