Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

who, though he was in the form of God,

did not regard equality with God

as something to be exploited, but emptied himself,

taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness.

And being found in human form, he humbled himself

and became obedient to the point of death—

even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)

Dear brothers & sisters in Christ,      

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior. Amen.

The oldest known ‘Christian’ hymn is thought to be found in Philippians 4. Many scholars believe that in this passage of his letter to the Philippians, Paul was reciting a known hymn used by early Christians during worship. It is believed that these words were not a new revelation to the congregation in Philippi, but a reminder of already familiar words of a beloved hymn.

Very few hymns are theologically sound. It is nearly impossible to compose a piece for congregational singing that concisely encompasses the whole of Christian theology within it.

Many 16^th century passion cantatas and oratorios (such as Handle’s ‘Messiah’) did manage to incorporate an entire Gospel narrative. Few, if any, are adaptable for congregational singing. My sheet music for the ‘Messiah’ is 252 pages. Even if we managed to sing a page in 30 seconds – it would still take 2 hours. The soprano arias require a range much higher than comfortable (or possible) for most women while the bass range is just as strenuous for men.  In general, oratorios were commissioned for professional performance, intended for congregational listening, not singing. They do however convey the complete narrative of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Facing far less than two hours and amateur vocalists, hymnwriters have a different goal than the Baroque oratorio composers. Hymns do not attempt to convey the entire story into one piece of music. Oftentimes hymns focus on the pathos of a moment within the common faith journey. They aim to evoke a certain emotional response from the singers and/or listeners. The aspiration of a hymn is often simply to nurture the faith of the believer. Hymns are aiming at bringing the hearer into an emotional bond with God and other believers. They aim to evoke a common emotion within the community of believers. Most hymns were not written with the intent to promote intellectual understanding of theological nuances.

The focus of this hymn recited in Philippians is to evoke awe – the awe inspired by the crux of the incarnation. Jesus came into this world. God came to earth in human form. He died a human death. The hymn is a poignant reminder that God is greater than all things. He willingly lived and died to give us eternal life. This hymn in Philippians is assigned to be read within the context of the whole passion. It summarizes the lengthy passion narratives in the Gospels. The last night and day of Christ’s life is the narrative of His exceptional obedience. This hymn reflects the epitome of what it means to be Christ during Holy Week.

It also reminds us as believers what Holy Week means. We seek to emulate that ‘mind’ of Christ. We seek to empty ourselves of pride and follow the Lord. God has made such an amazing sacrifice for us. He gave up His Son. He gave up His own life to become fully human while remaining fully divine. God experienced the suffering, pain, and isolation of death on our behalf. We are filled with awe, humility, and gratitude at the reminder of the work of God on that cross long ago. The work that God continues to this day in our lives and in the world.

God was able to use something as crude and disgusting as public execution to do His work. He used a despised form of punishment and humiliation to accomplish His Will. Crudely constructed wood was utilized by the Lord to bring about life for His people. God used what was ‘despised’ by the world to make you Holy and righteous in His sight.