Servant

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” ~ Mark 10:45

There is a bookshelf in my parents’ home. On that bookshelf there is a series of old, slightly worn, often handled volumes full of family photos. Open any one of those old photo books and you will see a variety of snapshots. School pictures, family gatherings, birthday parties, vacations, you name it. Pictures that chronicle the life and history of my family. There are no words, other than the occasional name or date, but the books tell a story. One picture at a time, the life of a family unfolds.

The Gospel of Mark is the story of Jesus. His life and ministry. His love and sacrifice. Like my old family photo books, Mark takes snapshots of Jesus’ life and puts them together to illustrate history and to give us an opportunity to know one Man, Jesus. Mark’s writing is like a snapshot. Brief moments that show Jesus teaching, healing, traveling, and praying. Mark shows us that Jesus is the Son of Man who walks among us and points us to God. He is the Savior who redeems mankind from sin, inviting us to live as children in the Kingdom of God. Jesus is the Healer who strengthens weak legs, opens blind eyes, and mends broken lives. One of the most powerful pictures woven throughout the Book of Mark is the picture of Jesus as a Servant. The Son of God who came to give His life for ours. Who walked these streets so that we could walk in His steps. The path of grace that brings man into relationship with God. The Author of lives who defines our thoughts, actions, motivations, purpose, and hearts. He is the Savior who touches lepers and who calls His people to do the same.