Christ Ransomed by Substitution!

“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and TO GIVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY.” -MATTHEW 20:28 [KJV]

Jesus’ condescension and self-abnegation before His disciples was in response to the request of James and John to have an elevated place in the eternal kingdom [MATTHEW 20:20-23]. The Lord responded: the kingdom will “be given to them for whom it is prepared of My Father” [vs. 23]. By His declaration in verse 28, Jesus demonstrated to them the high value of being a servant. Then beyond that, Jesus declared the eternal, real and vital reason for His advent: Substitution for chosen sinners. Consider:

“to give His life a ransom for many” - Jesus didn’t enter humanity to take but “to give”. He gave to the physically infirmed by healing the sick and raising the dead. He gave to the spiritually infirmed by casting out demons and giving light in darkness. He said, “I gave My back to the smiters, and My cheeks to them that plucked off the hair…” [ISAIAH 50:6]. But press on, Jesus gave “HIS LIFE”, which was precious to Him, as ours is to us. I know because it was part of His testing and He thus exclaimed, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done” [MATTHEW 26:42].

But, press on, He said, “A RANSOM”. In picture, Jesus took them to the slave market. When the price was paid; the slave was freed by the ransom-price. When Christ paid the sin-debt, sinners were freed. But, press on, Jesus said, “for many”. That is those whom God elected before time and gave to Christ to redeem and justify in time and at the cross. How? He became their Substitute. Beloved, they cannot perish!

-Gospel report by preacher David Simpson