HE GAVE HIS LIFE A RANSOM FOR MANY (MATTHEW 20:27)

Dear Members in Christ,

He gave His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:27)

In the past week, we have observed the Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday worship services. The week leading up to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday has been observed by Christians through the centuries. This traditional celebration begins with the remembrance of the triumphal entry of the Lord Jesus Christ into the city of Jerusalem, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew 21:1-11. In that event, the crowds hailed the Lord Jesus as the “Son of David” a term which is well known amongst the Jews as a reference to the long-awaited Messiah, the Anointed One.      

“And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way; others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way. And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.”  Matthew 21:7-9

Some commentators point to the possible irony that the crowd that welcomed the Lord Jesus as a great celebrity may well be amongst the same people that cried, “Crucify Him, crucify Him” at His trial. However, we know the incidents that surround the trial and crucifixion of the Lord Jesus and His eventual resurrection, are all events that are ordained by God for a purpose. The knowledge of God’s purpose for the events that occurred in this holy week ought to motivate us towards gratitude and love for God.

The purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ’s first advent – to give His life

The Bible reveals to us God’s purpose for sending His Son to suffer and die for the atonement of our sins. The Bible also shows us the submission and humility of the Lord Jesus to give Himself in service. The Bible passage in Matthew 20:27, 28 describes God’s intent and purpose to send His Son.        

“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 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 20:27, 28.

God’s purpose in coming in the flesh is so that He may give His life a ransom. We know the word in our present context. It is usually associated with a sum of money paid to secure the release of a captive. In this biblical context, a ransom means a payment made to purchase our freedom from bondage and sin. To accomplish that, the Lord Jesus had to pay an awful price. The price for our freedom from the penalty of sin and the enslavement by the works of the flesh is very high. The Son of God had to give up His life to purchase our salvation. On Good Friday, as we think about the death of the Lord Jesus on the cross, let us be encouraged to return our love and thanks to God. Let us be devoted to serving Him in any way possible. Let us be Christ-like in our sacrificial love for one another. In many ways, we can exhibit this aspect of Christ-likeness. Do you know of someone who is wavering in the faith? Or someone who has been drawn away by the temptations of this world. Do not withhold your help to reach out to such a person. It may take effort on our part, it may consume some of our precious time in our busy routine. This Easter, reach out to someone for Christ. He paid a great price for us, surely, we can do our little part for Him.  

The humility in which the Lord Jesus redeems us – as a minister, a servant

God sent us His son to atone for our sins. In our service and labour for the Lord, we can learn from the demeanor of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bible describes the attitude with which the Lord Jesus Christ adopts in His mission to redeem mankind. The Bible describes His demeanor as that of a servant, for it says, “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” The word “minister” in Matthew 20:27, 28 is the same word from which we derive the word “deacon.” A “deacon” is a servant. The Lord Jesus came as a servant, and in giving His life, He demonstrates the attitude of a servant. The Lord Jesus taught His disciples by giving the contrary example of Gentiles princes who lord over those they rule. In contrast, the servant of God who is chief is a servant of all.

“But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” Matthew 20:25-27

The Lord Jesus gave us His example in giving His life for His flock. He was resurrected, demonstrating that His work of atonement is acceptable before God. He is the ultimate example of one who rules, and yet is humble in attitude, and is in the end exalted by God. Dearly beloved, let us love one another and submit to one another. Let us take the Lord Jesus as our example and be a servant to our fellow brethren. Is there anyone in need – offer your help immediately. Is there a task to be accomplished in church? Do not wait to be invited, step forward and offer your service.

As April passes on, let us remember the servanthood and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. Let us be grateful for His love in giving Himself for us. Let us serve Him in the same way that He has shown us. May our lives bring glory to His Name. Amen.

In Christ,
Dn. Lim Seh Beng