"The Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life
as a ransom for many.”
(Mark 10:45)
In Jesus, we should have the confidence and courage to face impending sufferings. Despite knowing the awful suffering and death that awaits Jesus, He was determined to obey His heavenly Father, freely giving His life as ransom for many. Suffering and sacrificial service is the path to greatness in the Kingdom of God, not self-seeking and self-promotion. This is a stark contrast to the world’s concept of greatness. To be “great” in the kingdom of God must learn to be the “least” here on earth, serving all others and putting them ahead of one’s own needs and desires. The way to true life in God’s kingdom involves selfless sacrifice and complete reliance on God’s grace.
32 The disciples were on the way, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went ahead of them. They were amazed, and those who followed were afraid. Taking the Twelve aside again, he began to tell them what was going to happen to him. 33 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief priests and the scribes, and they will condemn him to death and hand him over to the Gentiles 34 who will mock him, spit upon him, scourge him, and put him to death, but after three days he will rise.” 35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” 36 He replied, “What do you wish me to do for you?” 37 They answered him, “Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left.” 38 Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” 39 They said to him, “We can.” Jesus said to them, “The chalice that I drink, you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; 40 but to sit at my right or at my left is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared.” 41 When the ten heard this, they became indignant at James and John. 42 Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones make their authority over them felt. 43 But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant; 44 whoever wishes to be first among you will be the slave of all. 45 For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:32-45)
In Jesus, we find our strength and might, facing life's trials with all our might. Knowing the suffering that awaits Him so near, yet, He walked that path without any fear. Freely He gave His life, a ransom for all, answering to His heavenly Father's call. Suffering and service, the path He trod, showing us the way to the Kingdom of God. Not self-seeking, not seeking fame, but serving others in His holy name. A stark contrast to the world's view, His path of greatness is faithful and true. To be great in His Kingdom, so divine, is to serve others, your will to resign. Putting others first, ahead of our desires, kindling in our hearts, holy fires. The way to true life, a mystery unfolds, in selfless sacrifice, His grace He upholds. Complete reliance on God's grace so free, that's the call to you and me.
Dear Lord Jesus, in You, we find the confidence and courage to face our impending sufferings. Despite knowing the awful suffering and death that awaited You, You were determined to obey Your heavenly Father, freely giving Your life as a ransom for many. We acknowledge that suffering and sacrificial service is the path to greatness in Your Kingdom, not self-seeking and self-promotion. This is a stark contrast to the world’s concept of greatness. Help us to learn to be the “least” here on earth, serving all others and putting them ahead of our own needs and desires. Guide us on the way to true life in Your kingdom, which involves selfless sacrifice and complete reliance on Your grace. May we always remember Your sacrifice, live out Your teachings, and strive to reflect Your love in all that we do. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
We were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, an immense value of our redemption and the sacrifice that was made for it. The call for us to love one another deeply from the heart reflects the love that God has shown us. When we have wicked thoughts or feelings such as envy or lust, we should confess them to God and ask Him to replace them with His love. The Word of God endures forever and the eternal truth of His word has enduring relevance that we should apply and live out in our daily lives for us to grow in our relationship with God and reflect His love to those around us. They should shape our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others. As we apply these truths, let us place our faith and hope in God, not in worldly things or human beings and always strive to live a holy life.
18 Beloved: Realize that you were ransomed from your futile conduct, handed on by your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious Blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb. 20 He was known before the foundation of the world but revealed in the final time for you, 21 who through him believe in God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 22 Since you have purified yourselves by obedience to the truth for sincere brotherly love, love one another intensely from a pure heart. 23 You have been born anew, not from perishable but from imperishable seed, through the living and abiding word of God, 24 for: “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of the field; the grass withers, and the flower wilts; 25 but the word of the Lord remains forever.” This is the word that has been proclaimed to you. (1 Peter 1:18-25)
In realms where silver and gold hold no sway, we find redemption in a unique way. Not with riches that tarnish and fade, but by the sacrifice that Christ has made. His precious blood, so pure and bright, shines in our hearts with holy light. An immense value, beyond all cost, reminding us of what we've lost. Yet in this loss, a love so deep, a call to sow what we wish to reap. To love one another, heart to heart, reflecting God's love, in every part. When wicked thoughts within us rise, envy, lust - our own demise, we turn to God, confess our sin, and ask His love to dwell within. The Word of God, forever true, guides us in all we say and do. Its eternal truth, forever near, speaks to our hearts, dispelling fear. In faith and hope, let us invest, not in the world, but in the blessed. Striving always to live a life, free from sin and worldly strife. So let these truths shape all our ways, in attitudes, actions, and in praise. As we apply them, day by day, we reflect His love in every way.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that we were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ. We are in awe of the immense value of our redemption and the sacrifice that was made for us. Help us to love one another deeply from the heart, reflecting the love that You have shown us. When we have wicked thoughts or feelings such as envy or lust, give us the strength to confess them to You and ask for Your love to replace them. We are grateful that Your Word endures forever. The eternal truth of Your word has enduring relevance in our lives. Help us to apply and live out Your Word in our daily lives so that we may grow in our relationship with You and reflect Your love to those around us. May Your truths shape our attitudes, actions, and interactions with others. As we apply these truths, let us place our faith and hope in You, not in worldly things or human beings. Guide us to always strive to live a holy life that is pleasing to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
God has bestowed upon us His blessings. He sends out commands and His words run swiftly giving us a special revelation. His word and laws is a privilege given to us. God’s active care and power strengthens us, grants peace, provides for our needs, fills us with the best. Let us continually praise and express our deepest gratitude to God for His unique relationship with us as His people.
12 Glorify the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. 13 For he has strengthened the bars of your gates; he has blessed your children within you. 14 He has granted peace in your borders; with the best of wheat he fills you. 15 He sends forth his command to the earth; swiftly runs his word! 19 He has proclaimed his word to Jacob, his statutes and his ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not done thus for any other nation; his ordinances he has not made known to them. Alleluia. (Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20)
In the realm of the Divine, blessings abound, commands are sent, His words resound. Swift as the wind, they race across the sky, a special revelation, a gift from on high. His word and laws, a privilege we hold, more precious than silver, more valuable than gold. In His active care, we find our rest, with peace and provision, we are truly blessed. He strengthens us with His mighty hand, in His presence, we securely stand. He grants us peace, calms our fears, fills us with the best, wipes away our tears. So let us praise, let our voices ring, to our God, our Maker, our King. expressing gratitude, deep and profound, for the unique relationship in Him we've found.
Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging the blessings You have bestowed upon us. You send out Your commands and Your words run swiftly, giving us a special revelation. We recognize that Your word and laws are a privilege given to us. We thank You for Your active care and power that strengthens us. You grant us peace, provide for our needs, and fill us with the best. We are truly grateful for these blessings. Help us to continually praise You and express our deepest gratitude for Your unique relationship with us as Your people. May we always remember Your goodness and love, and may our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Pericope:
Gospel
IV: The Full Revelation of the Mystery
THE THIRD PREDICTION OF THE PASSION / AMBITION OF JAMES AND JOHN
Mark 10:32-34 / 35-45
First Reading
II: The Gift and Call of God in Baptism
REVERENCE / MUTUAL LOVE
1 Peter 1:15-21 / 22-25
Psalm
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
GOD'S WORD RESTORES JERUSALEM
Psalm 147:1-20
Related Blogs:
https://pursueyourpurposeinlife.blogspot.com/2024/05/ransom-for-many.html
https://dailymannafromthelord.blogspot.com/2024/05/ransomed-with-precious-blood-of-christ.html
https://doyoulovememorethanthis.blogspot.com/2024/05/god-fills-you-with-best.html
