The Meaning Of Matthew 20:28 Explained In Simple Terms

Introduction

Matthew 20:28 is a Bible verse that has been interpreted in many ways over the years. It is a verse that has been quoted by many people, and it is a verse that has been studied by theologians and scholars alike. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Matthew 20:28 and explain it in simple terms.

What Does Matthew 20:28 Say?

Matthew 20:28 says, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” This verse is part of a larger passage in which Jesus is teaching his disciples about what it means to follow him.

What Does “Son of Man” Mean?

The term “Son of Man” is used throughout the Bible to refer to Jesus. It is a term that emphasizes his humanity and his role as a servant leader. Jesus came to earth not as a king or a conqueror, but as a humble servant who was willing to give his life for others.

What Does It Mean to Serve?

Serving others is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. He showed us that true greatness comes from serving others, not from seeking power or recognition. When we serve others, we are following in the footsteps of Jesus and living out his message of love and compassion.

What Is a Ransom?

A ransom is a payment that is made to free someone who has been taken captive. In the context of Matthew 20:28, Jesus is referring to the fact that he came to earth to give his life as a payment for the sins of humanity. He was willing to take on our debt so that we could be set free.

What Does “Many” Mean?

The term “many” in Matthew 20:28 is meant to emphasize the fact that Jesus’ sacrifice was not just for a select few, but for all of humanity. His death on the cross was a gift that was available to anyone who would receive it.

The Importance of Matthew 20:28

Matthew 20:28 is an important verse because it encapsulates the entire message of the gospel. Jesus came to serve, not to be served. He gave his life as a ransom for many. This message is at the heart of Christianity and is what sets it apart from other religions.

What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?

To follow Jesus means to live a life of service and sacrifice. It means putting the needs of others before our own and being willing to give of ourselves to help those in need. When we follow Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves and to live out his message of grace and forgiveness.

What Is the Gospel?

The gospel is the good news of Jesus Christ. It is the message that he came to earth to save us from our sins and to offer us eternal life. The gospel is a message of hope and redemption that is available to anyone who will receive it.

Application of Matthew 20:28

Matthew 20:28 has practical implications for our lives today. It challenges us to live a life of service and sacrifice, just as Jesus did. Here are a few ways that we can apply the message of Matthew 20:28:

1. Serve Others

We can serve others by volunteering our time and resources to help those in need. We can also look for opportunities to serve our families, friends, and coworkers by putting their needs before our own.

2. Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. When we forgive others, we are following in his footsteps and living out his message of grace and forgiveness.

3. Live a Life of Generosity

Jesus gave his life as a ransom for many. We can follow his example by living a life of generosity and giving. This can include giving of our time, talents, and resources to help those in need.

Conclusion

Matthew 20:28 is a powerful verse that reminds us of the sacrificial love of Jesus. It challenges us to live a life of service and sacrifice and to follow in his footsteps. As we seek to live out the message of Matthew 20:28, may we be inspired by the love and grace of Jesus and may our lives be a reflection of his selfless service to others.