The Tetramorph Gospel - The God Who Served

2.8.15
The Tetramorph Gospel: Mark (The Ox)
Scripture Focus: Mark 10:35-45

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve." Jesus' statement in verse 45 is amazing. It is life changing when we consider who is making the statement; Jesus, the co-Creator of the the universe, is here to serve man. While on this earth, Jesus did serve man in a number of ways. He healed the sick, raised the dead, gave back sight, and hope to the hopeless. But all of these things are nothing compared to his true and greatest service: the "ransom of many". Jesus concludes this mind blowing statement in verse 45 with the clear purpose of his service - to give his life in order to save others. Wow. While other religions throughout time have asked their believers and followers to die and give their life in service to their gods, here we see where the God of  Christianity is different. The God of the Bible steps in and gives his life in service to his followers.

In Mark we see the picture of Jesus as the Ox. An ox is a beast of burden. He is a servant whose purpose is to serve. It exists to accomplish a goal. The book of Mark is a fast paced summary of Jesus in action. The servant of God accomplishing his task set before him: the ransom of many. Proverbs 14:4 tells us that where there are oxen, there is a harvest. The Ox is not the most glamours animal, but without it the ancient harvest was impossible. Jesus tells his disciples that the harvest is ready, but there is a lack of workers - or oxen - or servants - or people willing to follow the example of Christ and lay down their needs and wants and live a life in service to save others.

The great news, or as it is referred to in Mark Chapter 1 - the Gospel of Christ - is that God has a plan to bring in the harvest. The exciting news for us is that WE are that plan. WE, the church, have been tasked with the responsibility to share the Gospel with a lost and dying world.  Are you willing to be an ox? Are you willing to serve as Christ showed to us through his life?