"The Other Victims"

Our scriptures today are from Mark, chapter 10 verses 35-45 and Luke, chapter 23 verses 39-43 from the Common English Bible.

Mark 10: 35-45

35 James and John, Zebedee's sons, came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask." 36 "What do you want me to do for you?" he asked. 37 They said, "Allow one of us to sit on your right and the other on your left when you enter your glory." 38 Jesus replied, "You don't know what you're asking! Can you drink the cup I drink or receive the baptism I receive?" 39 "We can," they answered. Jesus said, "You will drink the cup I drink and receive the baptism I receive, 40 but to sit at my right or left hand isn't mine to give. It belongs to those for whom it has been prepared." 41 Now when the other ten disciples heard about this, they became angry with James and John. 42 Jesus called them over and said, "You know that the ones who are considered the rulers by the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. 43 But that's not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. 44 Whoever wants to be first among you will be the slave of all, 45 for the Human One didn't come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people."

Luke 23: 39-43

39 One of the criminals hanging next to Jesus insulted him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!" 40 Responding, the other criminal spoke harshly to him, "Don't you fear God, seeing that you've also been sentenced to die? 41 We are rightly condemned, for we are receiving the appropriate sentence for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus replied, "I assure you that today you will be with me in paradise."

Leader: This is the word of God for a people of God.

All: Thanks be to God.