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The Trouble With Putting Our Hope
In Powerful Politicians
(Mark 12:35-37)
Mari Ikeda
35 While Jesus was teaching in the temple courts, he asked, “Why do the teachers of the law say that the Messiah is the son of David? 36 David himself, speaking by the Holy Spirit, declared: “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.”’ 37 David himself calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?” The large crowd listened to him with delight.
A. We have a tendency to long for powerful politicians who will protect our interests
B. A leader who became a servant to all
1. The God who became human
(Mark 1:1) The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,
(Mark 15:39) “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
2. Jesus, who became a servant to all (10:42-45)
42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.
C. Each of us has a responsibility to fulfill in this world
Summary
Many of us desire strong political leadership that promotes our safety and prosperity. This can be a dangerous tendency. God wants us to live in community and harmony with “the other” even if it means abandoning our own safety and welfare. That is how Jesus lived. God came into this world as a human being and died on the cross as a sacrifice for all people. Through his sacrifice, Jesus became a leader to all. To lead is to serve and service requires sacrificing oneself to meet the needs of others. Our responsibility in this world is to become self-sacrificial leaders and to hold politicians accountable to do the same.
For Discussion
- What does Jesus our Messiah (Savior) save us from?
- How can we serve in our world?