Blog post April 24, 2025

"For even".... "Even" acts as an adverb to highlight surprises or add emphasis. "Even" serves as an intensifier that makes a point more forceful, shocking, or clear.

Can you think of a time when Jesus used the word "even" to make a forceful point?

Even the hairs of your head are numbered (Matthew 10:30) God's care

Even sinners do that (Luke 6:33) (Love those who love you)

Even the demons believe (James 2:19) (Believe vs relationship)

Even the dogs eat the scraps (Matthew 15:27) (All rely on their master)

Even when they are old (Proverbs 22:6) (Faithful training)

Even the trees are judged (Mark 11:12-25) (Fruit reveals truth)

Even if you have little faith (Matthew 17:20) (All you need is a little genuine faith)

But in today's scripture Jesus makes perhaps the most impactful use of "for even".

"For even" the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

He was making the point that if you want to be a leader you must first be a servant and serve others. If you want to be first, you must first be a slave. Then to really make an emphasis and drive the point home He says "for even" the Son of Man came down from His heavenly position to serve others and give His very life as a ransom for many.

Boys, if you didn't get the point before, this should really clear it up! James and John had just asked Jesus if He would grant them to sit one on His right hand and the other on His left in His heaven. My followers cannot be like the world he said. You must be different. You must love your enemies, you must have a servants heart. You must put others first. God Himself put on flesh and came to give you an example.

You can't give a more impactful example than that.

Lord I pray that you would help us have a servants heart. Help us love the unlovables as You do. You have given us the greatest "for even" example to make Your point. in Jesus name I pray. AMEN