Week beginning Sunday 13th April
Lectionary Reading: Philippians 2:5–11

SESSION THEME:

The Descent and Rise of Love

Welcome & Opening Prayer

Begin by welcoming the group and offering a short prayer of gathering and openness.

Suggested prayer:

God of humility and glory,
you have shown us
the pattern of love in Jesus.
Help us to hear your word
not only with our ears,
but with our lives.
Shape us by the mind of Christ.
Amen.

Scripture Reading

Invite someone to read Philippians 2:5–11 slowly and aloud.
Pause briefly before continuing.

Reflection: The Descent and Rise of Love

a. The Mind of Christ is the Heart of God (v.5)

“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”

We are invited not into a code of conduct but into a relationship. The “mind of Christ” isn’t a test to pass—it’s a life to live. Jesus models a way of being that doesn’t grasp or dominate, but gives and loves.

I wonder…

• What might it mean for a community to have the mind of Christ?
• Where in your life is God inviting you not to win, but to love?

b. Kenosis: Love as Self-Emptying (vv.6–7)

“…he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave…”

Jesus doesn’t cease to be God—he shows us what God really looks like: a servant, not a ruler; a giver, not a grasping power. His descent is not humiliation but holy revelation.

I wonder…

• What kind of power does Jesus reveal in his self-emptying?
• Where are you being invited to move “downward” in love?

c. Exaltation: God’s Yes to Jesus’ Way (vv.9–11)

“Therefore God also highly exalted him…”

This is not a reward but a revelation. God vindicates the path of love—not with worldly glory, but with resurrection. The knee bows not in fear but in awe of the One who stooped so low out of love.

I wonder…

• How is God’s “therefore” working in your life?
• Where do you see the world’s idea of glory clashing with the Gospel?

Group Discussion Questions

• What does this passage reveal about the nature of God?
• How does the example of Christ challenge our instincts for self-protection, status, or success?
• How might a community shaped by this hymn act differently in the world?

Closing Reflection

The cross is not only something done for us—it is something done with us.
We are invited to follow, not just admire.

Jesus’ path is not easy, but it is beautiful.
As we go from this study, may we take with us not just the words of Christ, but his pattern of life—his mind, his love, his hope.

Prayer to End

Christ Jesus, you did not count equality with God something to cling to.
Teach us to loosen our grip.
You emptied yourself in love.
Teach us to pour ourselves out for others.
You were lifted up in glory.
Help us to live in your story.
Amen.