“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
Ransom is a common theme in film and tv shows these days. Often a crisis occurs when a child is taken from their home. Parents receive a phone call from the kidnapper stating they can have their kid back if they pay a large some of money. Today there are even computer viruses called ransomware. A computer hacker freezes a person’s digital files, and demands a ransom be paid to release them. Without the ransom payment, the person loses all files.
The ransom concept is simple. Something or someone is held captive. There is a price for freedom called the ransom, and when this price is paid (no matter who pays it) the captive is set free. How does ransom help us understand Jesus?
In Mark, Jesus told his disciples that he came to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many. This week of Easter, we celebrate this great act of service when we celebrate His death. The Bible teaches us that we are held captive by sin. Romans 6:17 says, “Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey his teaching we have given you.” The ransom price for sin is death. Jesus came and died in our place on the cross as a substitute for us. He endured the pain, suffering, and death owed to you and me. He paid our ransom price with His own life.
But He rose again, robbing sin and death of victory, and offering us eternal life with Him! Sin and death reign over us until we have received Jesus as Lord instead. Romans 6:7-8 says, “For when we died with Christ, we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him.” Jesus paid the ransom for your freedom and offers a new life to you through faith in His resurrection.
I am thankful Jesus ransomed me from sin. I am glad He paid my price. Without His payment the ransom for my life would be too high. I am grateful to walk with Jesus today, and I pray my life will be pleasing to Him.