Scripture Reference for Jesus' Humbling Himself to Death
The concept of Jesus humbling himself to death is rooted in several biblical passages, most notably Philippians 2:8, which states that Jesus "humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, that is, death on a cross" [3]. This verse is central to understanding the nature of Christ's humiliation.
The humiliation of Christ is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects of his life and death. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, Christ's humiliation is seen in his birth, circumstances, reputation, soul, death, and burial [2]. Torrey's Topical Textbook also highlights several key events and characteristics that demonstrate Christ's humility, including his taking on human nature, subjection to his parents, poverty, partaking of human infirmities, submitting to ordinances, becoming a servant, associating with the despised, and refusing honors [1].
The biblical account of Jesus' life and death provides numerous examples of his humility. For instance, Jesus was born into a lowly condition (Luke 2:7) and was made under the law (Galatians 4:4). He also subjected himself to the will of God, even when it meant undergoing great suffering and pain (Matthew 26:39-44; John 12:27) [4].
The significance of Christ's humiliation is not limited to his earthly life; it is also closely tied to his death on the cross. According to Charles Hodge, Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross [5]. The reality of Christ's death is underscored by the fact that he "released his spirit" (Matthew 27:50), emphasizing his sovereignty in giving up his life [6].
The early church fathers also reflected on the significance of Christ's humiliation. Augustine, for example, noted that Christ's humiliation was not limited to his birth, but also included his death on the cross, which was a particularly shameful form of execution [7]. The Catholic tradition, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, understands Christ's humiliation as a necessary precursor to his exaltation, citing Luke 1:52, which states that God "hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble" [8].
The scriptural reference for Jesus' humbling himself to death is thus deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, particularly in Philippians 2:8. This verse serves as a key text for understanding the nature of Christ's humiliation and its significance for Christian theology. The various traditions represented in the sources all underscore the importance of Christ's humiliation, highlighting its connection to his obedience, suffering, and ultimate exaltation.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility of Christ, The — Declared by himself -- Mt 11:29. Exhibited in his Taking our nature. -- Php 2:7; Heb 2:16. Birth. -- Lu 2:4-7. Subjection to his parents. -- Lu 2:51. Station in life. -- Mt 13:55; Joh 9:29. Poverty. -- Lu 9:58; 2Co 8:9. Partaking of our infirmities. -- Heb 4:15; 5:7. Submitting to ordinances. -- Mt 3:13-15. Becoming a servant. -- Mt 20:28; Lu 22:27; Php 2:7. Associating with the despised. -- Mt 9:10,11; Lu 15:1,2. Refusing honours. -- Joh 5:41; 6:15. Entry into Jerusalem. -- Zec 9:9; Mt 21:5,7. Washing his disciples' feet. -- Joh 13:5. Obedi”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Humiliation of Christ — (Phil. 2:8), seen in (1) his birth (Gal. 4:4; Luke 2:7; John 1:46; Heb. 2:9), (2) his circumstances, (3) his reputation (Isa. 53; Matt. 26:59, 67; Ps. 22:6; Matt. 26:68), (4) his soul (Ps. 22:1; Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 22:44; Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:15), (5) his death (Luke 23; John 19; Mark 15:24, 25), (6) and his burial (Isa. 53:9; Matt. 27:57, 58, 60). His humiliation was necessary (1) to execute the purpose of God (Acts 2:23, 24; Ps. 40:6-8), (2) fulfil the Old Testament types and prophecies, (3) satisfy the law in the room of the guilty (Isa. 53; Heb”
- Philippians “Philippians 2:8 (LEB) — he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, that is, death on a cross.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
- CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 126: § 1. Includes his Incarnation . The Apostle tells us that Christ humbled Himself. In answer to the question, Wherein his humiliation consisted? our standards wisely content themselves with the simple statements of the Scriptures: “Christ’s humiliation consisted in his being born and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross; in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.” On all these points the schoolmen and modern philosop”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 27:50: 27:50 Each of the four Gospels highlights different aspects of Jesus’ last moments. • released his spirit: This emphasizes the sovereignty of Jesus in that he released himself to death (see also John 19:30). • shouted out again (see Matt 27:46): This cry was Jesus’ final prayer (see Luke 23:46).”
- Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 3: Augustine — On the Holy Trinity — CHAP. 5.--OF CHRIST'S PASSION, BURIAL, AND: RESURRECTION. 11. But little [comparatively] was the humiliation (humilitas) of our Lord on our behalf in His being born: it was also added that He deemed it meet to die in behalf of mortal men. For "He humbled Himself, being made subject even unto death, yea, the death of the cross:"(2) lest any one of us, even were he able to have no fear of death [in general], should yet shudder at some particular sort of death which men reckon most shameful. Therefore do we believe in Him WHO UNDER PONTIUS PILATE WAS”
- theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of Christ's Resurrection, Art. 1: Article: Whether it was necessary for Christ to rise again? I answer that, It behooved Christ to rise again, for five reasons. First of all; for the commendation of Divine Justice, to which it belongs to exalt them who humble themselves for God's sake, according to Lk. 1:52: "He hath put down the mighty from their seat, and hath exalted the humble." Consequently, because Christ humbled Himself even to the death of the Cross, from love and obedience to God, it behooved Him to be uplifted by God to a glorious ”