Living, serving, dying
Wednesday, Dec. 4
Mark Chapter 10 Click here to read
Jesus had to come to live as a human—and die as a human—so that we would learn by his example how to do the same.
We often answer the question “How are you” with a flippant response along the lines of “Still above ground” or “Still breathing.”
But being alive is more than just having a body that provides the bare minimum for survival—but human priorities and values are not those of God. The values and priorities of God lead to an abundant life that is far more than the survival patterns we fall into.
When the Bible speaks of “eternal life,” it’s not about being resurrected to continue the same humdrum existence. It’s about entering into a new level of living (now, not just in the afterlife) that turns the world’s values on their heads.
In Chapter 10, people challenge Jesus.
The Pharisees come to him with evil intent, trying to trap him into an answer they can use against him.
The rich young man comes with apparent sincerity, but is unable to turn away from his faith in his wealth to save him to receive the surer foundation of Jesus.
And even two of his closest disciples, James and John, misunderstand what it means to be identified with Jesus. They can’t escape the dreams of power and prestige that govern the world they grew up in to see the complete reversal of those values represented by the new kingdom.
For the first place Jesus looks to find the people God loves are at the bottom of the heap: the poor, the lame, the powerless. Status in the kingdom of heaven is gained through service and humility, not position and pride.
“Whoever wants to be the first must be the slave of all,” he says.
And then comes what seems like an oddly placed story: the healing of a blind beggar.
But look at what Mark did here with this placement.
Three times people of power and significance approach Jesus only to be rebuked for their trust in worldly power rather than his love.
And now, a poor blind man approaches him with only one request, “Rabbi, I want to see.”
“Go,” Jesus said, “your faith has healed you.” And then the man followed him.
Three times important people asked to see, but wouldn’t give up their blindness, as it had served them well in the past. Only this humble beggar was desperate enough to believe what Jesus said, let go of his chains of bondage, and follow.