Psalm 57:6-11 1 Chronicles 25:1a, 6-8 Colossians 1:28–2:3 Mark 10:42-45
. . . whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.
–Mark 10:43–44
These verses from Mark’s gospel are a hard pill to swallow—yet they may be the critical principles of the Lenten season. Becoming great requires sacrificing both our tangible and intangible treasures.
It also begs the question whether sacrifice is worth it. Does it ensure satisfaction and, ultimately, happiness? As humans, it’s only natural to worry about these sacrifices and to dwell on that question.
However, in our imperfect worry is God’s divine answer: His sacrifice ensured our happiness and salvation. So we are also called to sacrifice of ourselves and become great in His image. Whether time, talent, or treasure, each of us has something unique to give in His name.
As we enter the final stretch of Lent, I encourage you to consider the relationship between greatness and sacrifice. Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of sacrifice, becoming great for us all. In His image and during this time, we are asked to do the same—symbolically, spiritually, and personally—in order to become deeper, better, and greater persons.
Lent asks us to be our best and purest selves, giving and sacrificing to ourselves. And God asks us to continue living that sacrifice on Easter morning and beyond.

–Sara McGanity