The Ransom of Many: Jesus' Sacrifice According to Matthew 20:28

What is a Ransom?

A ransom is payment made to release someone from captivity or to mitigate a grave penalty. This concept is not alien in religious practices. For instance, in some Muslim countries, a convict is sometimes allowed to pay “blood money” to avoid the death penalty. In this context, we will explore the biblical interpretation of Jesus' sacrifice as a ransom for many.

Who Are the Captives?

According to the Bible, the captives are the offsprings of Adam and Eve who committed a crime. This crime is described in the Bible as rebellion against their ruler, Jehovah God.

The Crime of Rebellion

Adam and Eve's rebellion against God is depicted in the Book of Genesis. The consequence of their sin was a death penalty—literally, death resulting from the loss of life: "Moreover the Lord God said, 'The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever'" (Genesis 3:22, NIV). This punishment guarded against the possibility of Archangelic beings turning against God, just as Adam and Eve had.

The Law of Life for Life

The death penalty for the first sin is tied to the biblical law of "life for life." According to Deuteronomy 19:21, "The native born and the alien living among you must be treated the same. Do not show partiality in judging, and do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous." This law implies that any form of killing would require punishment with death.

How Did the Law of Life for Life Apply to Adam's Offspring?

Adam forfeited his perfect life, which was life in perfect bliss on Paradise. As a result, his children inherited an imperfect life characterized by suffering and ultimately facing eternal death unless a ransom was paid. Romans 5:14 and Romans 6:23 emphasize that no one has a perfect life because all have sinned, and the result is death.

Who Among Adam's Children Was Worthy to Die to Pay the Ransom?

None of Adam's descendants were worthy to die to pay the ransom because all have sinned. The Book of Job (33:24) and Romans (3:10, 23) affirm this universal sinfulness. However, the Bible teaches that there is a way through who can save from these consequences.

God's Plan of Redemption

God's plan of redemption is summarized in John 3:16 and Matthew 20:28. Jesus, who did not inherit Adam's sin and death, came to redeem those who deserved eternal life. In the New Testament, Paul explains, "The first man Adam became a living being; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual does not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual" (1 Corinthians 15:45-46, NIV). He further states, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 15:57, NIV).

Psalms 37:28-29 also supports this concept, saying, "Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act."

Conclusion

In essence, the sacrifice of Jesus is understood as a ransom to release humanity from the eternal death brought about by Adam's sin. This concept is deeply rooted in biblical teachings and supports a pathway to life through faith in Jesus.

Note: This information is provided based on biblical scripture without interpretation, and people may have different beliefs. The intent is to offer scriptural information for consideration, not to initiate debate.