These verses take us from the lowest place — the Cross — to the highest place — the throne. Earlier in this chapter, the Bible tells us that Jesus “humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8). But that was not the end. God raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to the highest glory. The One who was rejected by men is now the One before whom every knee will one day bow.
The name of Jesus is not just another name in history; it is the name above every name (Philippians 2:9). Heaven knows it — angels worship Him. Earth will know it — every ruler, every nation, and every individual will stand before Him. Even those who refused Him will still acknowledge that He is Lord. Every tongue will confess the same truth: that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. The question is not if a person will bow to Christ, but when. Some bow now in love and faith; others will bow later in judgment.
To bow the knee to Jesus today is not an act of fear, but of faith. It is to recognize who He truly is — the Son of God, the Savior of the world, and the rightful Lord of all. The same One who was once crowned with thorns will be crowned with eternal glory. Those who believe in Him now will share in that glory; those who reject Him will face Him as Judge. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life” (John 3:36).
One day, the entire universe will unite in one confession: Jesus Christ is Lord. Every voice will proclaim what faith already knows — that the crucified Savior is the exalted Lord. To believe this now is to find salvation; to wait until then will be too late.