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 ESV)
Ransom
Jesus, as the Only Begotten Son of the One True Living God should be on the top of every list of what matters, who is important, and why existence exists. He is valuable, powerful, noteworthy, and necessary.
He should never have had to be a ransom.
Most of us have not experienced ‘ransom’ in our lives, but we can understand what a ransom really is with some similar examples.
I am willing to pay the bank a monthly mortgage check because my land and house are worth more to me than the insignificant money. That is like a ransom.
I am once traded a Fender electric guitar, an amplifier, and a watch for a Martin 12-string guitar. I did it because the Martin was worth more to me than the Fender, amp, and timepiece. That is like a ransom.
I have stayed awake most of the night grieving for, crying with, and praying around a hurting friend. Because a friend’s heart is worth SO much more than my time. That is like a ransom.
And Jesus, THAT Jesus… showed that He values His people (as a group AND as individuals) more than He valued His heavenly home, His eternal rest, and His very life. That is like a ransom.
He chose to ransom, to exchange, HIS life for those who believe in Him.
He sees you as MORE important than Himself!