A Ransom For ManySample

A Ransom for Many

People around Jesus were often missing the point. Even those who walked side-by-side in ministry with him very often didn’t get it. The story begins with Jesus and his disciples walking to Jerusalem for the final time. Two brothers ask to get something from Jesus, a favor that meant status, position, and glory. This is what they thought the Kingdom had in store for them – something to get.

But the way of Jesus isn’t getting, it’s giving. It’s not status, but serving. Jesus had taught them sin had them bound, but He had come to bring freedom. Jesus came to give, not just a message, but to give Himself for us. He was laying down His own life to redeem ours. The gift wasn’t a message, but a person: God’s own Son.

Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Jesus laid down His own status, position and glory, leaving Heaven to come serve us. He offered Himself as a ransom – a payment for sin - so that we could be with him forever.   

Through His death, He invites us into relationship and calls us His friends. In John 15:13 He says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  

Don’t miss the point like James and John. Jesus offers eternal life through His love. Have you accepted this gift? If so, choose today to lay down your life and serve someone around you. This is how we display His love to the world.