What does becoming like him in his death mean?

[mlepfitjw]

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:8-10 ESV

 

[bling]

I had not thought much about this verse and just rea right through it but first we might try to determine:
“What was Christ like in His death”?

There was shortness of breath, lots of pain, loneliness, mockery, and suffering, but I do not think that is what Paul is talking about being like. Christ was constantly choosing to remain committed through a strong desire to come down from the cross. Christ was deeply in Love with sinful humans, Christ was one with God and God was right there with Christ even though most had left Him. Christ under strong mocking, and with great hardship to even speak, kept trying to lead those around Him.

Jesus is demonstrating the greatest Love possible in His death for those crucifying Him, which Paul wants to have and show to others.

 

[mlepfitjw]

Thank you bling that is very insightful and helpful.

 

[R.J. Aldridge]

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:8-10 ESV

I think that what Paul is saying is that Christ died, not only that we might live in Him, but that we might also die in Him. As human beings, we are sinful. The punishment for sin is death, all men are sinful, therefore all men die because we have broken God's law. When we die, justice has been served and the law has been satisfied. The problem is that we are dead. What Paul is saying is that the death of Jesus Christ, being a sinless man and offering up His perfect life for us, it is in Christ that our sins can now be put to death, satisfying the law, and yet we are also raised to life in Him, and we are covered in His righteousness. We now become like Him in His death by sharing in His sufferings and bearing each others burdens, as Christ did for us, in hopes that others will join us in Christ where there is eternal life.

 

[com7fy8]

10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

We can read things Jesus said while He was on the cross. And these might help us to realize how He was while suffering and dying.

John 19:25-27 shows me how Jesus on the cross was about family. Calvary does show how God is about forgiveness and loving any and all people. And His love is family sharing and caring love, for intimate sharing and trust.

 

[mlepfitjw]

Thank you rj and com. For your insights.

 

[disciple Clint]

8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Philippians 3:8-10 ESV

Jesus was obedient to His death. He honored the will of the Father. Paul wants also to be obedient all the way to his death.