Modeling Christ's Example of Kenosis in Conflict and Difficulty
The concept of kenosis, or self-emptying, is exemplified by Christ and serves as a model for believers, particularly in times of conflict and difficulty. This self-denial is not merely an abstract theological idea but a practical call to follow Christ's example [1].
Christ's kenosis is most clearly articulated in Philippians 2:6-8, where he, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." This passage highlights Christ's voluntary relinquishment of divine prerogatives, not his divine nature, to take on human form and suffer for humanity [1].
This act of self-emptying provides a pattern for how believers should approach suffering and conflict. John Chrysostom emphasizes that Christ himself "first gave the type and example" of this self-giving, melting both Jew and Gentile into a new creation "in Himself" [3]. The suffering Christ endured, though innocent, was for the sins of humanity, serving as a "true and proper punishment" to atone for sin [5]. This patient endurance of unmerited suffering is acceptable to God and demonstrates Christ's "doing well" [2].
Believers are called to emulate this example of patient endurance. The apostle Peter writes that Christ's suffering provides an example for those who endure undeserved hardship [2]. This is not a call to seek suffering, but to face it with the same spirit of self-denial that Christ demonstrated. As Matthew Henry notes, Christ "could have declined all suffering if he had pleased" but chose not to [5]. This willingness to suffer for others, even when innocent, is a core aspect of kenotic living.
The author of Hebrews encourages believers to "consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds" [6]. Jesus is presented as the "supreme example of faithful endurance" [8]. Our ability to endure in the Christian life is dependent on keeping our focus on Jesus and his work [8]. He sympathizes with human temptations, having experienced them himself, though without sin [4]. This sympathy means that even in our struggles, we have a High Priest who understands and cares [4].
The sufferings of believers are often identified with the sufferings of Christ. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown explain that Christ considers the sufferings of his Church as his own, due to the mystical union between him and believers [7]. These sufferings are borne for his sake and contribute to his glory [7]. Therefore, when believers face conflict and difficulty, modeling Christ's kenosis means embracing self-denial, not for its own sake, but as a means of following Christ and participating in his redemptive work [1]. This involves denying ungodliness, controlling appetites, abstaining from fleshly lusts, and mortifying sinful desires [1].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 2:21: Christ's example a proof that patient endurance under undeserved sufferings is acceptable with God. hereunto--to the patient endurance of unmerited suffering (Pe1 3:9). Christ is an example to servants, even as He was once in "the form of a servant." called--with a heavenly calling, though slaves. for us--His dying for us is the highest exemplification of "doing well" (Pe1 2:20). Ye must patiently suffer, being innocent, as Christ also innocently suffered (not for Himself, but for us). The oldest manuscripts for "us . . . us," read, "you . . . f”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on Galatians–Colossians–Thessalonians: brought about was to be founded in Christ Himself, was to have the basis of its existence and continuance in Him and not in any other unifying principles whatever.”—Meyer.—G.A.] He gave not this charge to another, but Himself, by Himself, melted both the one and the other, and produced a glorious one, and one greater than the first creation; and that one, first, was Himself. For this is the meaning of “in Himself.” He Himself first gave the type and example. Laying hold on the one hand of the Jew, and on the other of the Gentile,”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 4:15: For--the motive to "holding our profession" (Heb 4:14), namely the sympathy and help we may expect from our High Priest. Though "great" (Heb 4:14), He is not above caring for us; nay, as being in all points one with us as to manhood, sin only excepted, He sympathizes with us in every temptation. Though exalted to the highest heavens, He has changed His place, not His nature and office in relation to us, His condition, but not His affection. Compare Mat 26:38, "watch with me": showing His desire in the days of His flesh for the sympathy of those whom H”
- 1 Peter (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 Peter 3:18: Here, I. The example of Christ is proposed as an argument for patience under sufferings, the strength of which will be discerned if we consider the several points contained in the words; observe therefore, 1. Jesus Christ himself was not exempted from sufferings in this life, though he had no guilt of his own and could have declined all suffering if he had pleased. 2. The reason or meritorious cause of Christ's suffering was the sins of men: Christ suffered for sins. The sufferings of Christ were a true and proper punishment; this punishment was suffered to expia”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: 2 Cor. xii. 8–10 .) “Wherefore,” he says, “I take pleasure in infirmities, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Moreover, hear Christ Himself saying, “In the world ye shall have tribulation.” ( John xvi. 33 .) [6.] Ver. 3 . “For consider,” saith he, “Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” For if the sufferings of those near us arouse us, what earnestness will not those of our Master give us! What w”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 1:5: sufferings--standing in contrast with "salvation" (Co2 1:6); as "tribulation" (distress of mind), with comfort or "consolation." of Christ--Compare Col 1:24. The sufferings endured, whether by Himself, or by His Church, with which He considers Himself identified (Mat 25:40, Mat 25:45; Act 9:4; Jo1 4:17-21). Christ calls His people's sufferings His own suffering: (1) because of the sympathy and mystical union between Him and us (Rom 8:17; Co1 4:10); (2) They are borne for His sake; (3) They tend to His glory (Eph 4:1; Pe1 4:14, Pe1 4:16). abou”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:2: 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated th”