Verse of the Day for Saturday, July 13, 2024

 

Verse of the Day
Saturday, July 13, 2024

Philippians 2:9-11

9 Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 is a profound passage found within the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. This section of scripture is part of a larger Christological hymn (Philippians 2:5-11) that beautifully encapsulates the humiliation and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. Paul writes this letter to encourage the Philippians to live humbly and in unity, reflecting the mindset of Christ. The verses 9-11 focus on the exaltation of Jesus, highlighting His ultimate authority and the universal acknowledgment of His Lordship.

Verse 9: The term "Therefore" signifies a conclusion based on what was previously stated. After describing Christ's humility and obedience to death on the cross, Paul now reveals God's response: exaltation. This exaltation is not merely a reversal of Christ's humiliation but a divine elevation to the highest place of honor. The "name that is above every name" signifies supreme authority and honor. In the Jewish tradition, the name represents the essence and power of the person. Thus, God bestowing this name upon Jesus signifies His ultimate authority over all creation.

Verse 10: This verse emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus' Lordship. The act of bending the knee is a sign of submission and reverence. Paul highlights that every being—whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth—will acknowledge Jesus' sovereignty. This encompasses all realms of existence: heavenly beings, humans, and even those who have died. The comprehensive nature of this submission underscores the total and unchallenged authority of Jesus.

Verse 11: In the culmination of this passage, Paul reveals the ultimate purpose of Jesus' exaltation: the confession of His Lordship by every tongue. This universal confession aligns with the prophetic vision found in Isaiah 45:23, where every knee bows and every tongue swears allegiance to God. By acknowledging Jesus as Lord, believers participate in glorifying God the Father. This confession is not merely an acknowledgment of a fact but an act of worship and proclamation of Jesus' divine status and authority.

In conclusion, Philippians 2:9-11 encapsulates the glory and authority bestowed upon Jesus Christ by God the Father. Through His humble obedience and sacrificial death, Jesus is exalted to the highest place of honor. The universal submission and confession of His Lordship underscore the comprehensive nature of His authority and the ultimate aim of glorifying God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's supremacy and the call for believers to live in humble reverence and acknowledgment of His Lordship.

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
Click on the image to reveal the meaning and insights of this verse…