What does Philippians 2:11 say about Jesus?

Philippians 2:11 is a profound and powerful verse that forms part of a larger hymn-like passage in Paul's letter to the Philippians. This verse states, "and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (NIV). To fully appreciate the significance of this declaration, it is essential to examine the context in which it appears, as well as its theological implications.

The passage in question, Philippians 2:5-11, is often referred to as the "Christ Hymn" or "Kenosis Hymn." It is one of the most theologically rich sections of the New Testament, encapsulating the incarnation, humility, obedience, exaltation, and ultimate lordship of Jesus Christ. Paul writes:

"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was 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. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11, ESV).

The Humility and Exaltation of Jesus

The Christ Hymn begins by emphasizing the pre-existence of Jesus and His divine nature. Jesus, being in the "form of God," did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage. Instead, He "emptied himself" (Greek: kenosis), taking on human form and the role of a servant. This self-emptying is not a relinquishment of His divinity but a voluntary setting aside of His divine privileges and glory.

Jesus' humility is further highlighted by His obedience unto death, even the humiliating and excruciating death on a cross. This act of ultimate humility and obedience is the basis for His subsequent exaltation. Because of His obedience, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name.

The Confession of Jesus as Lord

Philippians 2:11 culminates the hymn with the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship: "and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This confession is not limited to a specific group of people but is universal in scope, encompassing every being "in heaven and on earth and under the earth."

The term "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) is significant and multifaceted. In the Greco-Roman world, "Kyrios" was a title of authority and respect, often used for emperors and deities. In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), "Kyrios" is used to translate the divine name YHWH, thereby associating Jesus with the God of Israel. By declaring Jesus as "Lord," Paul is affirming His divinity, sovereignty, and ultimate authority over all creation.

Theological Implications

The confession that "Jesus Christ is Lord" carries profound theological implications:

1. Divine Authority: The acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord affirms His divine authority and sovereignty. This is not merely a recognition of His moral or ethical teachings but an acknowledgment of His identity as the divine Son of God, co-equal with the Father. This is consistent with passages such as John 1:1-14, where Jesus is identified as the Word (Logos) who was with God and was God, and who became flesh and dwelt among us.

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: The universal acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as Isaiah 45:23, where God declares, "By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.'" Paul sees in Jesus the fulfillment of this divine promise, indicating that Jesus is the embodiment of God's redemptive plan.

3. Christological Focus: The confession underscores the centrality of Christ in Christian faith and practice. Jesus is not merely a moral teacher or a prophet but the incarnate Word, the Lord of all. This has practical implications for how Christians live their lives, emphasizing the need for obedience, humility, and a Christ-centered focus.

4. Trinitarian Theology: The phrase "to the glory of God the Father" indicates that the exaltation and acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord ultimately glorify God the Father. This reflects the Trinitarian relationship where the Son's glorification is intrinsically connected to the Father's glory. The mutual glorification within the Trinity underscores the unity and co-equality of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

Understanding that Jesus Christ is Lord has profound implications for Christian living. It calls for a response of worship, obedience, and allegiance. If Jesus is Lord, then He has authority over every aspect of our lives, and we are called to submit to His lordship in our thoughts, actions, and decisions.

1. Worship: Recognizing Jesus as Lord leads to a life of worship. Worship is not confined to singing hymns on Sunday but is a lifestyle of honoring and glorifying Jesus in all that we do. As Paul writes in Romans 12:1, "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

2. Obedience: The lordship of Jesus calls for obedience to His teachings and commands. Jesus Himself said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is a tangible expression of our love and allegiance to Christ.

3. Mission: The universal acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord has missional implications. As Christians, we are called to proclaim the lordship of Jesus to the ends of the earth. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is rooted in the authority of Jesus: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you."

4. Hope: The acknowledgment that every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord gives Christians hope and assurance. Despite the challenges and sufferings of this present age, we have the promise of Christ's ultimate victory and the restoration of all things. As Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself."

Conclusion

Philippians 2:11 is a powerful affirmation of the lordship of Jesus Christ. It encapsulates the core of Christian belief: that Jesus, who humbled Himself and was obedient to death, has been exalted by God and is acknowledged as Lord by all creation. This acknowledgment glorifies God the Father and calls for a response of worship, obedience, mission, and hope from believers. Understanding and embracing the lordship of Jesus transforms our lives and aligns us with God's redemptive purposes for the world.