He Gave His Life As A Ransom For Many
Author: Stephen Weller
1,122 words, 6 minutes read time
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28 ESV)
We need to look back several verses to establish the context of this verse: 25 “But Jesus called [the disciples] to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”’
In God’s kingdom, greatness is related to service and to be the greatest or the first among you must be your slave. When born physically we were slaves of sin, but when born spiritually we were set free from sin and have become slaves of God (Romans 6:22). The difference between a servant and a slave is that as a servant one has greater autonomy; the ability to have stuff of one’s own and to have time off from time to time. That wouldn’t happen as a slave. Complete servitude is the life of a slave; it is like being a servant to the nth degree. When I think about the importance Jesus placed on the Sabbath, I see our role as more of a servant of God than a slave.
The Son of God was sent by the Father to earth to take on a body of flesh through a virgin birth to become the Son of Man. Jesus is described as the God/Man; truly God and truly man. As the Son of Man, Jesus came not to be served by others, but to serve. God steps down into a body of flesh and serves those he created. This is a primary example of servanthood; the greatest humbling himself to serve his creation.
Those he came to serve had a serious need; they were dead in their sin and needed someone to rescue them. Jesus humbles himself further and being free from sin, he of his own will allows sinful men to nail him to a cross on which he dies in horrible shame, taking upon himself our sin and in exchange clothes us with his righteousness. Through faith in that work on the cross that Jesus said he had finished, we can come and 8 “by grace [we] have been saved through faith. And this is not [our] own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8 – 9).
Jesus came to serve, meeting our greatest need by giving his life as a ransom for many. In Ephesians 2:10, those who are saved (born spiritually) are described as God’s “workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” As his servants we are to do this work and for some who live under persecution, this service could mean intense suffering and even death. Jesus was willing to die for us. Are we willing to remain steadfast in our faith and continue to serve and not deny him no matter the cost? Lord, help us be good servants like you.
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Summary Theme
Servant Leadership and Redemptive Sacrifice in Christ
Summary Paragraph
In Gospel of Matthew 20:28, Jesus reveals the heart of His mission and the nature of true greatness in God’s kingdom. Contrary to worldly views of power and authority, the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others. His service reaches its fullest expression in His sacrificial death, where He gives His life as a ransom for many—paying the price to redeem humanity from sin. This verse encapsulates both the humility of Christ and the redemptive purpose of His coming, establishing a model for His followers to live lives marked by selfless service and sacrificial love.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:
1. What does Jesus mean when He says He came “not to be served but to serve”?
Answer:
Jesus contrasts His mission with worldly expectations of leadership. In human systems, leaders are often served and honored. However, Jesus reverses this pattern by demonstrating that true leadership in God’s kingdom is expressed through humility and service. His entire life, from healing the sick to teaching the crowds, reflects this servant-hearted approach. This teaches believers that greatness is not measured by status or authority, but by one’s willingness to serve others selflessly.
2. What is the significance of Jesus giving His life as a “ransom for many”?
Answer:
The term “ransom” refers to a price paid to secure freedom. Jesus’ statement points to His sacrificial death as the means by which humanity is freed from the bondage of sin and its penalty. His life was given willingly, not taken from Him, emphasizing both His authority and His love. This act fulfills God’s redemptive plan, showing that salvation comes not through human effort, but through Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice on behalf of others.
3. How does this verse define true greatness in the kingdom of God?
Answer:
True greatness is defined by humility, sacrifice, and service rather than power or recognition. Jesus Himself, the greatest of all, chose the lowest place, serving others and ultimately giving His life. This redefinition challenges believers to pursue a life that reflects Christ’s character, where serving others becomes the highest calling. It shifts the focus from self-exaltation to self-giving love.
4. In what ways can believers follow Jesus’ example of servant leadership today?
Answer:
Believers can imitate Christ by prioritizing the needs of others, showing compassion, and serving without seeking recognition. This can be expressed in everyday acts of kindness, supporting those in need, and using one’s gifts to benefit others. It also involves humility, placing others above oneself, and being willing to sacrifice time, comfort, or resources. Ultimately, servant leadership is a lifestyle shaped by love and obedience to Christ.
5. How does understanding Jesus’ sacrifice affect a believer’s relationship with Him?
Answer:
Recognizing that Jesus gave His life as a ransom deepens gratitude, humility, and devotion. It reminds believers of the cost of their redemption and the depth of Christ’s love. This understanding fosters a desire to respond in obedience, worship, and service. It also provides assurance of salvation, as believers trust not in their own works, but in the finished work of Christ.
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