Verse of the Day 4/23

Mark 10:45(NIV) For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

 

John MacArthur writes that "really there are only two types of religion.  One says you can earn your way to Heaven; the other says that you must trust in Jesus alone.  One is the religion of achievement; the other is of divine accomplishment."   As Jesus states in this verse, He came to serve and give His life as a ransom, as payment for our sins and release from the bonds of this world and its vain pursuits.  This "release" is key in following Him in serving.

 

As you look back over Jesus life and ministry you see how He did not want to make much of Himself but sought to serve His disciples.  This verse comes out of a passage where James and John were arguing over who would get the prominent seats with Jesus in His kingdom.  They had no idea of what they were asking.  Jesus got to the heart of the matter, it is a matter of the heart.  Jesus is looking for those who have servants hearts who are willing to serve, to put others interests over their own.

 

Mark 10:43-44 (NLT) But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.

 

Do you seek to be a leader?  Once again, Jesus ways run contrary to the world, He wants us to lead by serving.  How can you serve others today at work, at home, or at play?

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Mark 10:42-45  New Living Translation (NLT)

⁴² So Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ⁴³ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."