The Ransom

Trinity Vineyard Sunday Morning

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. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 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.'
- Mark 10:42-45
If you're really lucky you'll be blessed at some point in your life with the kind of friend its just great to be around. Someone who doesn't demand much from you. Someone who 'gets' you. You have similar values and approaches to life. This person will really bring joy to your life and probably you'll bring great joy to theirs.
But sometimes, they'll be people in your life who you love dearly and loving them will mean sacrifice. Anyone who's cared for a young child, or an elderly friend or relative - even a pet! - will know this. You have to give up your comfort so they can be comfortable. You have to go without so that they can have. You have to give up your favourite pass-times so that they can have your time. They'll be holidays you won't get to go on, restaurants you won't get in to, treats you'll have to forgo. Though caring for them is a great burden your love will lead you to sacrifice these things, almost without thinking about it.
This is one way to think of God's love for us. But our need is so much greater. Jesus uses the picture of a ransom - the price needed to buy back a slave. Our life is not our own, and a life has to be given so it can be redeemed. And not just any life - the life of the Son of God, so valuable that it can be a ransom not just for one but for many. His love leads him to do it gladly.
James and John wanted positions of importance as if to prove their value. It caused such a fuss - and all for no need. Who needs to prove their value, when they've been bought at such an extraordinary price?