A Fresh Perspective - 08/17/07
When the death and resurrection of Jesus are severed from his life and teachings the result is a half-gospel that offers the removal of sin-guilt and the promise of heaven, but no real means of transforming society or being transformed into more compassionate, loving Christlike persons.
In the Gospels the death of Jesus is the culmination of his life. Jesus healed, taught, loved, forgave and served others. His life was dedicated to God's kingdom on earth. He sacrificed everything for God's cause, even his life. His self-giving in death was the climax of his self-giving in life.
Mark's Gospel says, "For the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life for the liberation of many." In the context where this statement occurs the disciples are bickering about who is the greatest. James and John want to be the "top dogs" sitting beside the enthroned Jesus on his left and right. They have completely misconstrued the nature of God's kingdom.
In response Jesus says that the tyrants of the world lord it over others, but "not so with you." Jesus says that God's kingdom is not about being great or first or wielding power; it's about being "a servant of all." The liberation this text speaks of is liberation from the need to be over, greater or better than others. It's deliverance from the need to occupy places of position, power and prominence. Jesus talks about the freedom that comes from being a servant.
It is the life of Jesus that is our model and catalyst for change. He did not come to be served (to be catered too and taken care of), but to serve. He came to give his life in service, even to the point of death. As the "Son of Man" (the representative, quintessential human being), he came to embody and reveal the goodness and love we are all capable of.
This Gospel passage tells us that we too can experience liberation from the need to control, compete and compare ourselves to others. But it will not come simply by believing a theory of atonement that is attached to Jesus' death. It will be experienced as disciples of Jesus deny their ego and follow him in the way of the cross, the way of self-surrender, service and sacrifice for the good of all people.
Chuck Queen is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Frankfort (www.ibcfrankfort.com); he welcomes your comments at cqueen@fewpb.net. Look for "A Fresh Perspective" every Friday.