Jesus' Rise to Reign
The Five Promotions of Jesus from God the Father in Philippians 2:6-11
The passage in Philippians 2:6-11 not only outlines Jesus’ remarkable humility and self-sacrifice but also highlights the tremendous exaltation and honor He received from God the Father as a result of His obedience. After enduring the lowest forms of humiliation, Jesus was promoted and glorified. Let’s explore five promotions that Jesus received from God the Father based on this passage.
1. God Exalted Him to the Highest Place
"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place..." (Philippians 2:9)
Jesus, who humbled Himself by taking on human form and enduring death on the cross, was exalted by God the Father to the highest place in the universe. This is the ultimate promotion, lifting Jesus above all things and placing Him in a position of supreme authority. He didn’t seek this exaltation; rather, it was the result of His humble submission and obedience to God’s will.
Reflect: Do I seek earthly promotions, or am I willing to let God exalt me in His time and for His purposes?
2. God Gave Him the Name Above Every Name
"and gave him the name that is above every name..." (Philippians 2:9)
Not only was Jesus exalted to the highest place, but God the Father also gave Him the name that is above all names. The name of Jesus holds unparalleled authority, power, and honor. This is the name that angels, humans, and all creation recognize as supreme. While Jesus was humble on earth, God the Father ensured that His name would be glorified in eternity.
Ponder: Do I recognize and honor the power of Jesus’ name in my life? Do I place His name above all else?
3. Every Knee Will Bow to Him
"that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth..." (Philippians 2:10)
This verse shows the universal recognition of Jesus’ lordship. Every created being, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, will bow before Him. This represents the universal acknowledgment of His authority and reign. This promotion wasn’t something Jesus demanded; it was bestowed upon Him by God the Father, and it signifies His sovereign rule over all creation.
Ask yourself: Am I bowing my heart and will to Jesus’ authority now, or do I resist His lordship?
4. Every Tongue Will Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
"and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
Not only will every knee bow, but every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. This confession will come from every creature, whether willingly or unwillingly. God the Father has given Jesus this honor because of His obedient sacrifice. His lordship will be proclaimed by all, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of creation- to glorify God the Father through the Son.
Think: Do I confess Jesus as Lord daily with my words and actions? Does my life reflect His lordship over me?
5. All Glory Goes to God the Father
"to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:11)
The final promotion is unique because it shows the purpose behind all of Jesus’ exaltation- to bring glory to God the Father. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were all meant to glorify God, and His promotion ensures that all glory returns to the Father. This circular pattern of glorification- Jesus glorifying the Father and the Father exalting Jesus—demonstrates the unity and purpose within the Godhead.
Reflect: Is my ultimate goal to bring glory to God in everything I do, just as Jesus did? Am I living in a way that reflects His example?
Conclusion
In Philippians 2:6-11, we see that Jesus, through His ultimate humility and obedience, was exalted by God the Father to receive unparalleled promotions: exaltation to the highest place, the name above all names, universal acknowledgment through bowed knees and confessed tongues, and ultimate glory given to the Father. These promotions remind us that true greatness comes not through self-seeking but through humility, service, and obedience to God.
Just as Jesus was willing to humble Himself, God the Father lifted Him up in the most extraordinary ways. We, too, are called to humble ourselves, trusting that God will honor those who honor Him. The path to divine promotion lies not in seeking glory but in following Christ’s example of humility, service, and obedience.
May the Lord help you and I be humble and obedient to Him! God bless you.
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