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15. Jesus Gives His Life (Mark 10:41-45)
MARK 10:41-45
41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards James and John. 42 Jesus summoned them, and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondservant of all. 10:45 For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Men are sick. Pride infects them. Satan’s sin motivates their thoughts. Not only the brothers John and James failed in their test of discipleship, but also all the disciples, for they flared up and became angry with the sons of Zebedee. They were all tainted with pride. They heard Jesus’ teaching and agreed to it, but they did not understand it, for his words had not yet registered with them. Before the cross and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, they were ordinary people, misguided and selfish.
However Jesus was merciful to them. He taught them once and again the principles of the Holy Trinity, with the humility of the Son of God, the submission of him who was born of the Spirit to serve his Father, and his own self-denial. Jesus himself lived in this manner. He glorified his Father at all times, trusted him completely, obeyed and magnified him greatly. The Father, for his part, gave him all authority in heaven and on earth, seated him at his right hand, and made him the express image of his person. Such is the work of the Holy Spirit who does not glorify himself, but glorifies the Living, Coming One who was crucified, though the Son of God gave to him the realization of salvation and the establishment of the church. What a great mystery! Our God is humble, meek, loving, and kind.
This kind of spirit is completely contrary to the spirit of the world, for the rulers of the world govern with weapons and violence, and dominate their people. They themselves disobey the authority, for each one of them seeks pride, money, and honor, despising others.
Jesus prevented his followers and the church from cooperating with the spirit of this world. He guided them to the thought of service, teaching them that the faithful servant, or worker, is greater than the master; and that the bishop and priests are not better than the praying mother, and the faithful child. The Holy Spirit makes us all of one kind. The love of Jesus humbles us, and makes us servants to others. Those who are born of the Spirit do not want to rise in rank, or seek prominence in companies and meetings. The Holy Spirit prompts them to serve the blind, the drunkards, and those who are going astray and are despised, that they may be released from the bonds of their sin.
Are you a servant or a master? Have you become broken before God’s greatness, and did you acknowledge your insufficiency and follow the example of Christ, or are you still proud in yourself? Jesus left a good example for us. He who follows him also follows his example. He did not come to be served, but to serve. Our God is a servant. Keep hold of this statement, for it shows you what Jesus wants to do with you.
Jesus gave his life and his blood a ransom, that we might be released from the slavery of pride. All those who hear his merciful voice and believe in the power of his atonement become free from the bonds of egoism, and receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit. They become completely changed into a good example of love and patience, praying for others. Christ’s redemption makes us redeemers in love, giving our life to help others. Do you offer a sacrifice with joy and thankfulness?
PRAYER: We worship you, our Father, because you sent your beloved Son to our wicked world. He magnified you at all times, lived as a servant among us, and released us from pride. We thank you because you purified us by his death on the cross. We were poisoned with Satan’s sin, and you forgave us all our sins. We worship you because your Holy Spirit freed us from our imaginary greatness, and changed us into willing servants to everyone that all may also be saved from their sins. Amen.
QUESTION:
- What does Jesus’ example as a servant to sinners mean to us?