crumbs122

 

Crumbs 122 : Ransom

Scripture Mark 10:38-45 WEBBut Jesus said to them, “You don’t know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 They said to him, “We are able.” Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with; 40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant toward 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. 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.”

Crumbs

four remarks about this passage….

1. Baptism: Romans 6 leads us to think that baptism is a metaphor for both death and new life. In it we set aside our old dead life to self and rise to new life, the origin of which is Christ alone. Often to achieve our desired goal there must be a renouncement which not always easy.

2. Christ’s is a mystery. He cannot give James and John the promotion they desire. He is subject to an authority as we all are.

3. Christian Leadership This is a theme of Scripture. It has to be because history shows us that Christians did not get it. Both James and John and the other disciples did not realise that christian leadership is not a prize to longed for but a position of lowest servitude.

4Jesus summarizes all this by describing His own mission. Questions arise but one beam of light shines through. Christ’s servitude led to the ultimate sacrifice, the giving of His life. For us his act is both enabling is saving us from our sins and an example of how we should live Questions 1.What should be a Christian’s ambition ?

1. How should this teaching affect church government ?.

3. What does Christ’s ransom mean to us ?