Philippians 2:5-11 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, (The attitude of willingness to give up things that we have in order to do the Fathers will) who, although He existed in the form of God, (This alone testifies to Jesus divinity) did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, (*see note for verse 6 below) but emptied Himself, (When used in this context, emptied means He (Jesus) voluntarily gave up some of His divine attributes. Notice it was Him that emptied Himself. This shows that Jesus was always seeking to do the Fathers will voluntarily, even when it meant sacrificing something or Himself. It also helps to support the teaching that Jesus existed before His human birth), taking the form of a bond-servant, (service to the Father and service to the world) and being made (immaculate conception but yet growing like a natural baby) in the likeness of men.
And being found in appearance as a man, (Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, Genesis 1:26) He humbled Himself (voluntarily) by becoming obedient (once again the attitude we should strive for) to the point of death, (keep this attitude for as long as we are alive) even death on a cross. (Even if this service to the Father attitude results in an environment that we find displeasure in, even if it ends with a violent death).
Therefore (because of Jesus death on the cross) also God highly exalted Him, (This is one way we know that Jesus', (the lamb of God), sacrifice was excepted by the Father through His resurrection and ascention into heaven) and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, (Let them praise the name of the LORD, For His name alone is exalted; His glory is above earth and heaven... Psalm 148:13).
that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, of those who are in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
(*Note for verse 6) Some versions use the word robbery instead of grasped with the following commentary. This Kenosis passage in Philippians 2:5-11 says very clearly that Jesus “did not consider it robbery to be equal with God” (V.6) Now “robbery” means taking something that does not belong to you; and divinity is obviously an attribute that belongs only to God! So Paul is saying that the Lord Jesus did not consider it robbery to claim equality with God.(1)
Isaiah, writing on behalf of God Himself, makes it clear that no one or nothing is to be given the recognition of being the savior except for God Himself.
The Messiah who is also the Savior is also LORD (YHVH). By linking the Messiah who is the Savior and LORD (YHVH) together, Isaiah is proclaiming the divinity of the Messiah.
Isaiah, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, foretold of this future event.
Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. They will say of Me, Only in the LORD are righteousness and strength. Men will come to Him, and all who were angry at Him shall be put to shame. In the LORD all the offspring of Israel Will be justified, and will glory. (Isaiah 45:22-25)
Another example of Jesus and Gods name being interchangeable is found in the book of Jeremiah.
In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will dwell securely; And this is His name by which He will be called, The LORD our righteousness. (Jeremiah 23:6) Once again the Hebrew tetragrammaton YHVH - - is used to describe this person who will be the righteous one. Remember, For all of us have become like one who is unclean, And all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment; Isaiah 64:6. This means we need to get our saving righteousness from somewhere else.
Again in Jeremiah 33:16 this messianic branch is referred to with the divine title of "The Lord our righteousness."
Check our these related articles that help to support the Divinity of the Messiah:
Also of Interest:
Artilcles related to Isaiah include:
Isaiah 7:14 - A virgin birth
Isaiah 9:6 - Unto us a child is born:
Isaiah 43:11 - The Lord is the only saviour:
Isaiah - 53 He was pierced for our transgressions:
Miscellaneous:
The humanity and deity of Christ is a mysterious union we can never fully understand. But the Bible emphasizes both.
The New Testament further confirms that Jesus is this Lord that provides eternal life in this passage from the book of Romans. that, as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord (Romans 5:21).
Two of the names for the Messiah given in Isaiah 9:6 are Everlasting Father and Mighty God. For more on this prophecy, check out the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6.
John tells us that Jesus was around at the time that God created the heavens and the earth and was the instrument God used in the creation process. This was done in the form of the words God spoke when He spoke the world into existence. That's how things were created, through Jesus, because even before He was born He was the "Word of God" as part of His divine being. (John 1:1-3)
John helps us to understand why the Messiah who was already in Heaven, came down here to Earth. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. (John 6:38)
Zechariah 14:1-4 tells of a time when the King Messiah who is also God returns to earth to save Israel. For more on this check out The Second Coming Of King Messiah.
1). Christian Jew Foundation, Messianic Perspectives, Nov-Dec. 2004.
John MacArthur-Truths for Today, A Daily Touch of God's Grace.(Daily Devotional)