Oxymorons: Words that people put together that really shouldn’t be put together. Oxymorons are words that contradict each other, yet used in the same breath, right next to each other. For example, when you try something on in a store, you might say, “It’s a little big.”

We do this all the time:

• freezer burn
• Jumbo Shrimp
• Live Recording
• Same difference
• Tight Slacks
• Pretty Ugly
• Almost Exactly
• Constant Change
• Awfully Good
• Civil War

Even though the words are opposites, somehow we make sense of them. In fact, some of them make very good sense to us. We can understand when contradictory terms are used together.

That is the way Jesus is speaking to His disciples in Mark 10:43-44 … whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. Even though the terms contradict, we understand what they mean. Greatness in God’s Kingdom comes through Service. High placement by God is given to those who don’t try to elevate themselves. And it is all put into proper perspective when we look at Jesus Christ. 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)

So much of our faith seems to be contradictory or paradoxical. The way God has made Himself known to us is not what you would expect. Who would have expected the Almighty and all powerful and all-knowing Creator and Ruler of all things to become a man? Not only that, who could have guessed that He would choose to be born in the humblest of surroundings, live an ordinary life, facing hardships and struggles each day? And who could ever have guessed that the way we would best know and understand God would be through an instrument of torture and pain, a place of execution, a crude, rugged cross?

The greatest news you will ever hear comes to you in an oxymoron: crucified and risen. It does not mae sense to put those terms together, and that is why the world rejects this message. But it does make sense when you put the power of God into the equation. Yes, Jesus was put to death for our sins. But an even greater “yes” is God’s raising Him again to let us know that sin has been paid for, death has been defeated, and life eternal is a free gift to all who trust in Him.

Jesus did everything for us. He was a servant. While we were sinners, He died for us. Even though we lived as His enemies, He reconciled us to Himself (Romans 5). It all appears so contradictory, but it is true. We can live with these oxymorons because we have been led to faith. In gratitude for the Savior’s dying love we will try to follow His example, being servants to one another.