This Sunday the Gospel of Mark brings us to one of Jesus’ most climactic statements of purpose. In 10:45 the eternal plan of the Triune God for the incarnation is revealed in stunning clarity. Why did the Divine Son descend from glory, enter into human form, allow himself to be tempted in every way that we are (Hebrews 4:15), and endure unspeakable suffering and a criminal’s death?
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
“Son of Man” (alluding to Daniel 7:13) is one of Jesus’ favorite titles for himself, and it reminds us to look to him with eager hope of his future, glorious reign over all peoples and nations (7:14).
The Son of Man “came”—he actively pursued his wayward people by becoming human (though he didn’t cease to be divine). It’s an awesome thing that the Creator stepped into creation this way: it’s the Christmas miracle!
God’s aim in all this was for the Son to “serve” and “give.” Taking the posture of a servant was a lowly act, and for the Son of Man, the Messiah King, to bow down and take up a towel (see John 13:1-11) was beautiful … yet jarring: glory revealed in humble love.
And Jesus doesn’t just “give” things—he lays down his very life; he gives us himself. In Mark 8, 9, and 10, Jesus has been explicitly predicting his coming death, and now in 10:45 his aim is stated: he dies as a substitute, “as a ransom for many.”
“Ransom” is language from the slave market—the payment made to purchase someone’s freedom. Jesus’ death satisfies a debt; at the cross he redeems enemies (Romans 5:8) who’ve come to the end of their rope and now entrust their lives forever to him.
We owed a debt we could not pay; he paid a debt he did not owe—for us, “for many.” The substitutionary death of Jesus opens the door to eternal life for all who put their faith in him. Is that you?
