Philippians 2:1-11 is perhaps one of the greatest New Testament scriptures that espouse the full characteristics of Jesus. According to the NIV Version, this particular verses from 1 to 11 are titled “Imitating Christ’s Humility” (Philippians 2:1-11 The Holy Bible (NIV)1984). When Jesus came to earth His full purpose was to come and set examples for mankind to follow. Jesus being God had ready answers for one to lead and live a successful life. In verse 3 Paul is urging the followers of Christ to restrain themselves from selfish ambitions which are characteristic of man. He urges them “in humility to consider others better than themselves” (Philippians 2:3, The Holy Bible (NIV) 1984) and further instructs them to love each other. He further urges them to imitate Jesus’ humility; Jesus was God yet he made himself nothing to a point where he allowed himself to be crucified by mortal men he had created. Jesus had the power to defend himself yet because of his great love for mankind he had to be humiliated so that the blood he shed would cover over all sin(Matthew 26:28, The Holy Bible (NIV)1984).
Jesus, therefore, had a great love for others just as he demonstrated in his teachings. He was humble first because he was obedient to God. Many instances are when from the humanistic perspective humility is a sign or a display of weakness, yet Jesus demonstrated just as he taught in Matthew 20:26, that whoever wanted to be great should be the servant of all (Matthew 20:26, The Holy Bible (NIV) 1984). This example from Jesus is very useful for all Christians and humankind and helps us realize that for one to be great it’s not the arrogance or the money but the ability to serve others selflessly.
When Jesus was about to be crucified it was an agonizing moment for him to the extent he had requested God the father to take away the cup of suffering that was awaiting him. He suffered extensively at the hands of Pilate, the Pharisees, and the Roman soldiers. The humiliations that he had to go through were too much especially bearing in mind that he was innocent. But his eventual death on the cross was a culmination of the great restraint qualities that he possessed. Jesus demonstrated great love which he exhorted his followers to imitate. In the contemporary world, there is a great shortage of leaders, many leaders; political or otherwise lack the characters and of servants. Indeed leaders across the globe lord it over their subjects instead of serving the people they lead.
Many conflicts witnessed both in homes, churches, and nations arise from the fact selfishness and vain conceits are prevalent vices. These cause people to think highly of themselves thereby looking down on others. They, therefore, have no time to love and serve others. Paul is pleading with the Philippians to imitate Jesus and their lives would be more meaningful, a calling that needs to epitomize the Christian lives.
The teachings that would likely summarize this description can be found in Matthew 22:34-40, where when Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment he answered:
‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40, The Holy Bible (NIV) 1984)
Indeed these two commandments were the guiding principles in Jesus’ life. His first allegiance was to God who he obeyed unequivocally no matter what, and his second duty was to mankind for which he had to lose his life for. Jesus lived a life that was centered on God and other people, not himself.
Reference
The Holy Bible (New International Version) (1984): The Bible Society in Australia Inc., Minto, Australia.