September 30, 2007

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark highlights the irony that Jesus is mocked as king, but he is in fact king of all. Jesus suffers not only physical pain, but also the very wrath of God, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and types, and to secure our salvation and life by suffering in our place. We are no longer separated from the presence of and fellowship with God, and in fact the crucifixion reveals clearly God's love for us. The only proper response is for us to worship in awe and gratitude.