Philippians 2:7 – “rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”

Extended Explanation

This verse continues Paul’s teaching about the humility of Jesus Christ. In the previous verse (Philippians 2:6), Paul explained that Jesus is fully God. But instead of using His divine privileges for personal gain, He “made himself nothing” and became a servant.

The phrase “made himself nothing” (sometimes translated as “emptied himself”) does not mean Jesus stopped being God. Rather, it means He voluntarily set aside His divine privileges to take on human form. He did not stop being God, but He chose to live as a man, experiencing weakness, hunger, pain, and suffering—things that God in His divine nature does not experience.

The phrase “taking the very nature of a servant” shows the depth of Christ’s humility. He didn’t come as a powerful king, demanding worship and obedience. Instead, He came as a servant, ministering to the weak, healing the sick, and ultimately giving His life for others.

By becoming human, Jesus identified with us completely. He faced the struggles and limitations of life on earth. He did this out of love, choosing humility over status so that He could rescue us from sin.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians while he was in prison, likely in Rome around AD 60-62. The Philippian church lived in a Roman colony where status and power were highly valued. The idea of humility was not seen as a virtue in Roman culture. People sought honor, recognition, and advancement.

By pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example, Paul was turning that cultural mindset upside down. He was showing the Philippians that true greatness is found in serving others, not in seeking power.

Paul’s words would have challenged both the Philippians and the wider Roman world. The idea that a divine being would willingly humble Himself and serve others was shocking. But that is exactly what Jesus did.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several profound spiritual truths:

• Jesus willingly humbled Himself. His humility was not forced—He chose to lower Himself to serve others.
• True leadership is about serving. The world values power, but God’s kingdom values humility and self-sacrifice.
• Jesus fully identified with humanity. He wasn’t a distant, untouchable deity—He lived among us and experienced human struggles.
• God’s love is expressed through humility. Jesus’ willingness to become a servant is the ultimate expression of God’s love.

Literary Analysis

This verse is part of a larger poetic passage (Philippians 2:6-11), which may have been an early Christian hymn or creed. Paul is using this passage to paint a picture of Jesus’ humility in contrast to human pride.

Key phrases:

• “Made himself nothing” – The Greek word kenoō means “to empty” or “to give up privileges.” It does not mean Jesus ceased to be God, but that He voluntarily gave up His divine rights.
• “Taking the very nature of a servant” – The word doulos (servant) refers to a slave—someone who gives up personal freedom for the sake of others. Jesus did not come demanding service; He came to serve (Mark 10:45).
• “Being made in human likeness” – This emphasizes that Jesus was truly human, not just appearing to be human. He had a real body, real emotions, and real struggles.

Biblical Cross-References

• Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
• John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
• 2 Corinthians 8:9 – “Though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
• Isaiah 53:3-5 – A prophecy about the Suffering Servant who would bear the sins of others.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse directly challenges how we view life, success, and status. Jesus had every right to demand honor and power, but He chose humility.

For modern Christians, this means:

1. We should embrace humility. Jesus did not seek His own advantage, and neither should we. Do we serve others, or do we seek recognition?
2. True leadership means serving. In a world that values self-promotion, Jesus calls us to lead through service. Do we use our influence to help others?
3. We should not be afraid of sacrifice. Jesus gave up His privileges for the sake of others. Are we willing to sacrifice our comfort, time, or resources to serve those in need?
4. We can trust that God understands our struggles. Because Jesus became human, He knows what it’s like to be tired, tempted, and in pain. We can turn to Him for help.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Many people have the wrong idea of God. They think of Him as distant, uncaring, or only concerned with power. But this verse shows the true heart of God.

God is not selfish or distant. He is humble. He loves so deeply that He was willing to lower Himself, to become one of us, to serve rather than to be served. That is real love.

Jesus’ humility reflects God’s character. He does not lord His power over us—He reaches down to lift us up.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse reveals the very core of Jesus’ mission:

• He left the glory of heaven. Jesus, who existed eternally as God, chose to take on human form.
• He became a servant. He did not come as a king demanding obedience but as a servant meeting the needs of the broken.
• He humbled Himself completely. Jesus’ humility wasn’t just about coming to earth—it led to His ultimate act of sacrifice on the cross (Philippians 2:8).

Other passages that emphasize Jesus’ humility:

• Matthew 11:29 – “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.”
• John 13:12-15 – Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, setting an example of servanthood.
• Luke 22:27 – “I am among you as one who serves.”

Jesus’ entire life was an example of humility. If we claim to follow Him, our lives should reflect the same spirit.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean for Jesus to have “made Himself nothing”?
2. In what ways do you struggle with pride or self-importance?
3. How can you follow Jesus’ example of serving others in your daily life?
4. Why do you think Paul emphasized Jesus’ humility when teaching about Christian unity?
5. What sacrifices might God be calling you to make for the sake of others?