Sept. 2, “You are a Priority”

“You are a Priority”
by Brian Reid – Sept. 2, 2007 - NTUBC

In the world of Theology, there is a phenomenon known as the Markum Priority. This Marvel of the New Testament has to do with the books, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

As the Biblical Canon was created; the books of the Bible were chosen and put in order. As we have it today, the order of importance and chronological order has Matthew first, Mark second, then Luke.

But as today’s scholars discovered, something was out of seq., out of order, not quite right. Upon further, and in depth research, these scholars have agreed, and come up with a mystery; known as the Markum Priority.

Which concludes that Matthew may not have been written first at all, and Mark might have been the first written, and the books of Matthew and Luke may have been drawn from what was penned in Mark.

For everything that was written in Mark can be found in Matthew and Luke – and in some incidences, word-for-word. Also, Mark is shorter than Matthew and Luke, and where Mark ends or leaves off, Matthew and Luke then (continue) but differ.

So, Matthew and Luke are the very same, right up to the point, where Mark ends, and then Matthew and Luke go their separate ways, and tell contrasting stories.

And it is within this Markum Priority, that we draw our scripture lesson for today.

In Matthew 27, Mark 15, and Luke 23, Jesus is led away to be crucified. Then, Jesus is placed upon the cross to die.

In Matthew, we read that a man named Simon (from Cyrene) was forced to carry Jesus’ cross – when he could not bear it any longer. They led them to Golgotha (Skull Hill), where the soldiers gave Jesus wine, mixed with bitter-gall to drink. After tasting just a little, He refused the rest.

Then they nailed Him to the cross and gambled for His clothes. They placed a sign-board over His head that read; “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” This was not a title given, but an announcement of the charge against Him.

And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.”

People passing by shouted insults and mocked them. “If you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross.”

And the criminals, who were crucified with Him, also shouted the same insults at Him.



In Mark 15, Simon, from Cyrene carried Jesus’ cross – The soldiers led them to Skull Hill / Golgotha, where Jesus refused to drink the wine drugged with Myrrh; that was offered to Him.

Then they nailed Him to the cross and threw dice for His clothes. At 9:00 in the morning, the crucifixion took place.

The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the self-proclaimed King of the Jews.”

And “two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side.” People passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “He saved others, but He can’t save himself.”

Even the two criminals, who were being crucified with Jesus, also ridiculed Him.

Both Matthew and Mark tell a convincing story; but in Luke 23, we read something a little different.

As Jesus was lead away, Simon, of Cyrene was forced to bear Jesus’ cross. “Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. Finally they came to a place called The Skull. All three were crucified there – Jesus on the center cross, and the two criminals on either side.”

Then Jesus utters His ultimate statement of mercy;

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

“Abba, Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”

Then they casted-lots for His clothes, the crowd watched, and the religious leaders and rulers laughed and scoffed Him. The sign-board was placed over His head, which charged Him with heresy – against the religious leaders of the day; “Jesus, the King of the Jews.”

The soldiers mocked Him too, by offering Him a drink of wine-vinegar. And they called out to him; “If you are the King of the Jews, save Yourself.”


But this is where the differences, I outline within the Markum Priority, makes two distinctions in the story.

On His death-bed, on the cross as He hung dying, Jesus reached out twice. Twice He took the opportunity to show what His ministry on earth was all about. Twice, just before He died, He showed to the soldiers, the religious leaders of the day, to the mocking crowd, to the those passing by, to everyone; twice He showed love for His fellow-man.

As His arms where spread-wide and nailed to the cross, He could still reach out, and wrap them, lovingly, around those who needed it the most.

First, he begged for mercy, for the ones that were actually crucifying Him; “Father, forgive them. For they know not, what they do.”

Even in the midst of His agonizing pain, suffering and death, He thought of others. In His time of need, He knew that the needs of others were more important. As the blood of Christ was dripping to the ground, and as pieces of flesh hung from His body, He disregarded His situation and struggled to help those, who were responsible for His struggling.

Then, moments, seconds before He gave up His spirit, one of the criminals that hung beside Him scoffed Jesus – one last time.

“So, you’re the Messiah, are You? Prove it by saving Yourself – and us, too, while your at it.”

But then, a wonderful and truly amazing thing happened. Someone finally stood up for Jesus. Someone actually came to His rescue – if only with words.

For the second criminal protested what the first criminal had said. “Don’t You fear God, even when Your dying? We deserve to die for our evil deeds, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”



Then the second criminal, turned his attention away from the first, and towards Jesus; and uttered a true confession and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah, the Lord and Savior.

“Jesus,” he said. “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’

Then Jesus replied; “I assure you, today, you will be with me in paradise.”

Jesus, in His dying breathe, took what energy He had, to reassure this criminal of His salvation. He ignored the scoffing, ignored the humiliation, ignored the insults, ignored the pain, ignored what was about to happen to Him; long enough to listen to this man’s confession of guilt, hear His confession of commitment, and to accept His confession of dedication.

As this man was about to die, he turned to Christ for forgiveness – and Christ accepted him. It is not our deeds that save us; for this man was a criminal, and in his own confession said ‘we deserved to die for our evil deeds.’

But, when he turned to Christ in true faith, commitment, and dedication; salvation was granted.

Even when all looked hopeless, and all three looked into the face of death, the second criminal had faith, knew in his heart, that this was not the end for Jesus.
He may not have known what the future held for Jesus, but he knew he wanted to be part of it.

He said; “Jesus, remember me, when you come into your Kingdom.’ He did not say ‘if,’ he said ‘when.’

As Jesus reached out, while was nailed to the cross, He reached out in love, and in mercy, and in grace to all who would believe. He died, upon the cross for all who would believe.

Communion, is a thoughtful remembrance of what Jesus did upon the cross, and the love He showed, while He hung; for all who would believe.

(Communion hymn – verses 1 & 2)

Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
Do you believe that Jesus is your Lord and Savior?
Do you believe that that Jesus died to remove the sins of this world – including your sins?

If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then you are welcome at this table.

Let’s Pray; Dear Lord,
We thank you for the love that you have shown upon the cross for us. We know we have sinned against You in word and deed; and we humbly repent of those sins right now.
Cleanses us, refine us, forgive us. Amen