“And being found in human form,
he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
(Philippians 2:8 ESV)
I’ve often been struck by the closing words of this verse. At first glance, don’t they seem almost unnecessary? But there is a world of meaning in “even.” It is a common connecting word in Greek often translated as “but,” or used to introduce an explanation. In this case, “it calls special attention to this most striking element in the humiliation of Christ.”1
This Easter I want you to see how this little word “even” opens up a world of hope—even for you—no matter your sins, your circumstances, or what is happening in the world. Wherever you find yourself, it opens up a world of hope.
The cross is ultimately about Jesus’ work to save and bring us to the Father. This little word “even” magnifies the depth of pain involved in his humiliation for us. In context, this great passage—Philippians 2:6–11—can be pictured as a U shaped curve. The words “even death on a cross” bring us to the lowest point on that curve: the depths of his humiliation.
Christ’s humiliation began in his not grasping equality with God and becoming a servant as a man. Growing up as truly human, learning and suffering alongside fallen humanity was itself immeasurable humiliation for one who was also truly God. Living as a poor tradesman amongst sinning, cursing humanity was deep humiliation. Then having his earthly ministry largely rejected was great humiliation. Becoming obedient to death might seem like the final straw, but there would be lower still: his death was “even the death of the cross.” Here we see a humiliation unlike any the world has ever known. The reason for his humiliation was our sin.
So we must reflect on what his humiliation means for us. We learn the beauty of God’s holiness. As one who is pure, and immeasurably good, sin cannot be ignored. But in Jesus, God has paid the penalty himself, in the person of his beloved Son. “Even death on a cross” means that God is perfectly just and yet can freely justify the one who has faith in Jesus. At the cross, wrath and mercy meet.
The wonderful news is that his death can bring life to the very worst of sinners. Because on the cross, Christ became as the worst of sinners. His humiliation climaxed in his taking all the sins of all who believe upon himself. Like the tax collector in Jesus’ parable if you see yourself as “the sinner” and have cried out “God be merciful to me” then you can be sure of his welcome.
Of course, the profound humiliation of the cross is not the end of the story. Verses 9-11 begin with another great word: “Therefore God has highly exalted him.” The curve turns upwards again. He rose on the first Easter Sunday. He ascended back to his Father glorified. He sits at his right hand. And he will be worshipped and adored by all.
Christian, you may be anxious looking at the world around you this Easter. Christ’s Kingdom, however, will endure forever. If you are trusting in his work alone, “even death on a cross,” you therefore rest in the supreme confidence, even now, that you will reign with him in his wonderful New Creation.
1 Gerald F. Hawthorne, Philippians: Word Biblical Commentary (Waco: Texas, 1983), 89.
