“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 10:45).
Following tragic events that result in loss of life, in many countries government buildings fly their flags at half-mast. Half-mast refers to a flag flying below the summit of a ship mast, a pole on land, or a pole on a building. In many countries this is seen as a symbol of respect, mourning, distress, or, in some cases, a salute.
Today, we will “fly our flag” at half-mast – in a sign of mourning and honor.
The events surrounding the life and mission of Jesus are well summarized in John’s gospel. Giving us a general overview of Jesus’ mission, he wrote, “It was just before the Passover Feast.
Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. “Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love” (John 13:1).
His love for His own – who are in the world – is a complete love; a long-term love; a love-to-the-end. What then, was Jesus’ mission? We can use this statement: “To love his own to the end!”
The Messiah’s servant hood wasn’t a late addition to God’s plan. It was there from the beginning. Isaiah gives the proof of that. Through the prophet, the Holy Spirit revealed that service is part of Jesus’ mission.
We read, “See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” (Isaiah 52:13).
Paul gives us the full picture of Jesus’ servant hood. “Who, being in very nature n God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death– even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:6-8).
Here we have revealed the full extent of Jesus’ service: death on the cross.