Philippians 2:5-11 – Paul seems to be going in two opposite directions: Christ’s going down in humility and going up in exaltation. The key is that no one can go up unless he first goes down. Holy Week is the period of Christ’s going down, even to the depth of death. Because of this, we can anticipate His rising from the dead at the right hand of the Father. Paul urges his people to have this same mind of humility that God may exalt them.
The King of Israel comes into His royal glory by the path of humble obedience “to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). According to the Scriptures, willingly submitting to His Father’s plan for the salvation of sinners. “Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name” (Philippians 2:9). He kills to make alive; He wounds in order to heal. In remembrance of Him, we praise God, confessing “that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:11).
A prayer for reconciliation – God of love, through Your Son You have commanded us to love one another. By the guidance of Your Word and Spirit, deliver us from impenitence and teach us the truth that we might confess our sins, receive Your forgiveness and be reconciled to one another; through Jesus Christ our Lord.[3] – 07 April, 2022
[1] Palm Sunday, Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use
[2] Hosanna, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3] Collect for Reconciliation, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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