The Kenosis: Christ's Emptying of Himself (Philippians 2)
The profound truth of God’s redemptive plan is nowhere more clearly illuminated than in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Central to understanding His mission and character is the concept of the "kenosis," a theological term derived from the Greek word `kenoo`, meaning "to empty." This divine self-emptying, meticulously described in Philippians 2:5-8, reveals the astonishing depth of Christ's love, humility, and obedience. It is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, showcasing not only the nature of the Son of God but also providing the ultimate example for all who claim His name. This article will explore the meaning and implications of Christ's kenosis, drawing exclusively from the King James Version of the Bible, to apprehend the majesty of His condescension and the glory of His exaltation.Understanding the Kenosis: More Than a Buzzword
The term "kenosis" refers specifically to Christ's voluntary act of setting aside His divine prerogatives and glory, not His divine nature or attributes. It is crucial to understand what Christ did *not* empty Himself of. He did not cease to be God; He merely veiled the independent, unrestricted exercise of His deity and its outward manifestation. He remained omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, but chose to operate within the confines of human limitations, subject to the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. His divine essence was unchanged. What Christ *did* empty Himself of, or "made himself of no reputation" as the KJV translates it in Philippians 2:7, was His outward glory, His pre-incarnate heavenly state, and the independent exercise of His divine attributes in a way that would have been incompatible with His mission as a servant. This self-emptying was a deliberate act of humility, a laying aside of the privileges and outward form of deity to fully embrace humanity and the role of a servant. It was not a subtraction of deity but an addition of humanity, coupled with a voluntary restraint of His divine power for the sake of His redemptive work.Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenotic Passage
The apostle Paul presents the kenosis as the supreme example of humility for believers, urging them to adopt the same mindset that was in Christ Jesus. This powerful exhortation begins in Philippians 2:5:He then details the astonishing trajectory of Christ's condescension:Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
This verse affirms Christ's pre-existence and His inherent equality with God the Father. "Being in the form of God" indicates His true, essential nature as God. "Thought it not robbery to be equal with God" means He did not consider His equality with God something to be grasped or held onto for His own advantage, but rather something to be shared and, in a sense, temporarily set aside.Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Here is the heart of the kenosis. "Made himself of no reputation" is the KJV's translation of `ekenosen` (emptied). He divested Himself of the outward glory and the independent exercise of His divine prerogatives. This emptying was immediately followed by His taking "the form of a servant." This signifies His incarnation, His coming to earth not as a conquering king (though He is King of kings), but as a bondservant. He "was made in the likeness of men," fully human, experiencing all the sinless limitations of humanity.But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
The kenosis did not end with His incarnation but continued through His entire earthly life, culminating in the ultimate act of humiliation: His death on the cross. He "humbled himself" by submitting to the Father's will, even to the point of a shameful, excruciating death reserved for criminals. This obedience unto death was the ultimate expression of His self-emptying love.And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
The Nature of Christ's Humiliation
Christ's humiliation was entirely voluntary and purposeful. It was not a demotion forced upon Him, but a willing act of condescension. John 10:18 records Him saying, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." His kenosis meant embracing the full spectrum of human experience, apart from sin:- He experienced hunger (Matthew 4:2), thirst (John 19:28), and weariness (John 4:6).
- He grew in wisdom and stature (Luke 2:52).
- He relied on prayer and the Holy Spirit (Luke 3:21-22, Luke 5:16).
- He submitted to earthly parents and authorities (Luke 2:51).
The Purpose and Implications of the Kenosis
The purpose of Christ's kenosis was multifaceted and foundational to God's redemptive plan:- Unity and Love: If there be "any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies" (Philippians 2:1), then believers should be "likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2).
- Humility and Selflessness: We are to do "nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). This is the direct application of Christ's self-emptying.
- Concern for Others: We are not to look "every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Philippians 2:4). Christ's kenosis was entirely for our benefit.
The Exaltation of Christ
The narrative of Christ's kenosis does not end in humiliation but culminates in glorious exaltation. The Father's response to the Son's perfect obedience is immediate and absolute:Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
The kenosis was not a permanent state of diminished deity but a temporary, strategic condescension for redemptive purposes. Following His earthly mission, resurrection, and ascension, Christ was supremely exalted, resuming the full, visible manifestation of His divine glory. The name "Jesus" now signifies His universal Lordship, before whom all creation will ultimately bow in worship. This exaltation is a testament to the Father's vindication of the Son and His finished work.And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.