Losing It All: Losing Pride

Today’s worship focuses on the necessity of the cross and the tomb for our salvation. In our verse of the day, from Mark 10:45, Jesus reminds us of his life’s purpose. A ransom must be paid to set us free from sin. In our Gospel reading, we see the horrific rebelliousness of the people of Israel. Though they had been God’s chosen people, they had grown scornful of his faithfulness and love. They even abused his prophetic servants and conspired to kill his Son. Yet, God is committed to keeping all his promises. He sends his Son on a mission of mercy—giving of himself what we could not get for ourselves. In our New Testament reading, we learn of this precious gift of Christ’s righteousness. His righteousness puts all our attempts at self-righteousness to shame, yet this is not his goal. He donates to us what he has done through his divine gift of faith.