The ransom Jesus paid was his own life, specifically his shed blood, given to buy back or bring about release for many.
Understanding the Ransom
The concept of a ransom, as defined in the provided information, is: A price paid to buy back or to bring about release from some obligation or undesirable circumstance.
In a general sense, a ransom is an exchange – something valuable is given to free someone or something from captivity, bondage, or a detrimental situation.
Jesus' Payment
According to the Bible, Jesus himself stated the purpose of his coming was directly related to a ransom. As recorded in Matthew 20:28 (King James Version), Jesus said:
"the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
The reference further clarifies how this "life" is understood: "The Bible refers to the shed blood of Jesus as a ransom price." Therefore, the ransom Jesus paid was his life, symbolized and made effective through his shed blood.
Purpose of the Ransom
Connecting Jesus' action to the definition of a ransom reveals its purpose:
- To Buy Back: The ransom price was paid to reclaim something that was lost or held captive.
- To Bring About Release: It was paid to free individuals from an obligation or an undesirable circumstance.
While the provided reference does not explicitly name what was bought back or released from, the context of the Bible indicates this ransom relates to freeing humanity from the consequences of sin, such as condemnation and death, offering reconciliation with God and the prospect of future life.
Summary of the Ransom
Here is a simple breakdown based on the provided information:
| Aspect | Description | Based On |
|---|---|---|
| Ransom Paid | Jesus' life / His shed blood | Matthew 20:28, Bible reference |
| Nature | A price paid | Definition of Ransom, Bible reference |
| Purpose | To buy back or bring about release | Definition of Ransom |
| Beneficiaries | "Many" | Matthew 20:28 |
In essence, Jesus paid the ultimate price – his perfect human life – as a ransom to address the undesirable circumstance humanity faced, facilitating a way for "many" to be released.
