Philippians 2:5-11 - In our
Epistle lesson we learn that as an obedient servant Jesus humbles Himself to
die on a cross. As He humbles Himself even to death, God exalts Him. Because Jesus came down to the humiliation of
the cross, Jesus was raised in exaltation. There are two sides of a coin. Jesus
taught that He who humbles himself would be exalted, and the reverse applies.
During Holy Week, we watch Jesus stooping to the lowest level by dying a
criminal’s most horrible death and on Easter He is raised to glory. His
exaltation will not be complete until every knee shall bow and every tongue
confesses Him as Lord.
“Let the same mind be in you…”
Paul incorporates
this hymn into his letter in the service of pastoral theology. He is thankful
for the Philippians’ care for him and support of his ministry (1:3-8), yet
there are some problems in the community. In particular, Paul is concerned
about dissension among members (2:2-4; 4:2-3), and about “opponents” who preach
righteousness based on circumcision and law observance (1:28; 3:2-3, 7-11,
18-19). Paul urges the Philippians to live “in a manner worthy of the gospel”
so that he will know that they are “standing firm in one spirit, striving side
by side with one mind for the faith of the gospel” (1:27).[2]
Collect for Wednesday of the week of
lent 5: Father of mercy, hear the prayers
of your repentant children who call on your in love. Enlighten our minds and
sanctify our hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who
lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. [3]Amen
[1]
Palm Sunday Images, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/name-of-jesus/commentary-on-philippians-25-11-2
[3]
Collect for Wednesday
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