Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Saturday, April 20, 2103 Read – Philippians 2 In chapter 2 of Philippians we hear Paul’s use of what likely was an early Christian hymn as he reflects upon who Jesus is. And Paul’s reflection – the message of the hymn – is that it is the cross that defines Jesus – “he was obedient onto death, even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:8). Once again we have Paul theologizing about the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus. What did it mean for Jesus to die? In his death, Jesus was subservient to God – taking the form of a servant – and because he willingly went to the cross, God has raised him above everything else. Paul calls upon his followers to imitate Christ – to have the same mind and attitude that we find in Jesus.