The key idea in the first reading is that the sufferings of the righteous can bear the sin of others, and that the life of righteous is given as a sacrifice for the sins of others. For Christians, this model of righteousness is exemplified by Jesus, whose suffering and death is also understood as a sacrifice for the sins of others. The letter to the Hebrews takes up the idea of Christ as the unique high priest, who offers the one-and-all sacrifice of himself for the sins of humanity. In doing so, he accomplishes what the elaborate rituals of sacrifice offered by the ancient Israelites could not. Christ's mercy for humanity is rooted in his sharing of human nature, to the point of being tempted in every way that all humans are, yet without giving in to sin.

The willingness of Christ to offer himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the people is in contrast with the attitude of James and John in today's gospel passage. The request they make for seats at Jesus' right and left in glory seems more inappropriate since it comes just after Jesus had told them about the advent of his suffering and death on the cross. Jesus' response to James and John is one that is still valid for all Christians today, more especially for those in leadership - to be a Christian is to be a servant, as Jesus was. To be the first and greatest is to serve the needs of all, as Jesus did. It is a "servant leadership" that Jesus calls for.