How does John 13:1 connect with Philippians 2:5-8 about humility? The Setting: John 13:1 “It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that His hour had come to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the very end.” The Pattern: Philippians 2:5-8 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: • Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, • but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. • And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.” Key Links Between the Two Passages • Same Moment in Salvation History – John 13:1 opens the final hours before the cross. – Philippians 2:8 ends with “death—even death on a cross.” – Both snapshots occur at the identical tipping point of redemptive history. • The Motive of Love – John: “He loved them to the very end.” – Philippians: the self-emptying springs from that same love (cf. Romans 5:8). • The Choice of Lowliness – John: Jesus rises from supper to wash dusty feet (John 13:4-5). – Philippians: Jesus “emptied Himself… taking the form of a servant.” – Both texts stress a voluntary move downward. • Knowledge Yet Submission – John: “Jesus knew that His hour had come.” – Philippians: He “knew” His equality with God yet laid it aside. – Foreknowledge does not hinder humility; it highlights it. Humility Illustrated in the Upper Room (John 13 continued) 1. Conscious Identity: “Jesus knew that the Father had given all things into His hands” (v. 3). 2. Deliberate Action: rises, lays aside robe, girds towel, pours water (vv. 4-5). 3. Servant’s Posture: kneels before disciples, including Judas (v. 11). 4. Teaching Moment: “I have set you an example” (v. 15). Humility Explained in the Philippian Hymn • Pre-existence: “existing in the form of God.” • Renunciation: “did not consider equality… something to be grasped.” • Incarnation: “made in human likeness.” • Subordination: “form of a servant.” • Submission: “obedient to death.” • Extremity: “even death on a cross.” Combined Portrait: Love That Lowers Itself • From heaven’s throne (Philippians 2) to an earthly basin (John 13). • From cosmic Creator to household slave. • From washing feet to washing souls by blood (cf. Revelation 1:5). • One seamless movement of condescending grace. Living Out the Same Mindset • Adopt the servant’s towel, not the scepter (Luke 22:26-27). • Value others above self (Philippians 2:3-4). • Serve even when unappreciated (John 13:11; 2 Timothy 4:16-18). • Pursue obedience that costs (Matthew 16:24). • Rely on the Spirit who forms Christ’s mind in believers (Galatians 5:22-23). Summary John 13:1 introduces the climactic act of humble love; Philippians 2:5-8 explains the eternal mindset that made that act—and the cross itself—possible. Together they call believers to the same downward trajectory: secure in identity, motivated by love, and willing to serve at any cost. |
    |