“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 20:28 KJV

“Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:28 NASB

The core defect in humanity, in each of our hearts, is self-centeredness. We want everything to center around ourselves. We want life to serve us. One Man moved here Who was entirely different. He did not seek to be served but to serve; He came not to be pampered but to please His Father. While a Servant, He was ever the Servant of God and not of men. But as the Servant of Jehovah, he met the needs of men. His service extended to the point of giving, not only His time and talents for others, but His life as a ransom.

Questions to Consider:

  1. How does the title, “Son of Man” heighten the measure of His service and sacrifice?
  2. Do you think there is any significance in the change of words from v 27 where the Lord speaks of being a bond-slave and v 28 where the word is “deacon” or ministering servant?
  3. Here is one instance in which the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice is seen as an example for us to follow (although it does mention “a ransom for many”). Can you think of other places where His sacrifice is given to us as a pattern for our relationships with each other?
Translate