The Father’s Son chose to become a servant even though he was equal with God. As a lowly servant, he was obedient even to death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him and gave him the highest name. One day, everyone will bow and confess Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

This exalted Lord met Paul personally on the road to Damascus. After that, Paul experienced Jesus as a living presence throughout his life. He believed that Jesus, who was crucified, was his Lord and the Lord of all. Paul saw himself as a servant who no longer lived for himself, but for Jesus, who died and rose again.

Paul used the language of a servant (or slave) to show his complete obedience to Jesus as Lord. However, this wasn’t obedience to a harsh and oppressive Master.  Paul was serving the one who had become a servant himself (Philippians 2:7). He saw himself as a servant of the Servant who was exalted as supreme Lord. Paul regarded serving Jesus as the highest honour. And he now lived for this Lord as this Lord lived in him, enabling him to serve. Paul saw his own life as one of “slavery” to Jesus, who is now exalted. 

Like Paul, we are called to live under Jesus’ rule, with his Spirit working in us. As he lives in us, we serve him and are changed to become more like him. That means becoming lowly servants of the Servant-Lord and, in his name, servants of all.