A Ransom for Many (Mark 10:45)

2023-12-05

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

When James and John asked to be appointed to sit at the Lord’s side, Jesus had to clarify that being a leader in the kingdom of God is not the same as being a leader in the world. A Christian leader serves as a servant does. This is epitomized by our Lord, who left heaven’s splendor to lay down His life for all humankind. It is appropriate that His apostles would be the same as He was in service once He left. Jesus is still very much the King that issues commands, but He served with His life on earth.

The Lord’s life was given for our lives. We were slaves in bondage to our own sin and appointed to the wrath of God. This great exchange, Jesus’ life for our lives, was sufficient to the Father to save us. If His life was sufficient to buy us back from God’s wrath, then “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth” (Romans 8:33).