‘…to give his life as a ransom for many.”‘ – (Matthew 20:28 Explained)

Brief Summary

The aim of this explanation of Holy Scripture is to peaceably share how in no place does it, or any other Scripture allow for human sacrifice – rather, the verse uses the word ‘ransom’ in a unique way, as the Law of Moses and the rest of Holy Scripture forbids human sacrifice (Deuteronomy 24:16, Jeremiah 31:30, Ezekiel 18:20 etc.).

Instead, when the verse says ‘ransom’, it speaks of the Messiah’s (Christ’s) personal walk and obedience until death – to fulfil prophecy spoken of himself, and be declared High Priest in the order of Melchizadek forever to then intercede for the sins of many (Psalm 110:4, 45:7, Isaiah 53:11-12).

Begin

The verse reads as follows;

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.”
Matthew 20:28 NIV

Interpretation

He gave his life as a ‘ransom’ for many, in the sense that he would then become High Priest in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4, 45:7), by fulfilling prophecy (e.g. Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, 42:6, 49:8, 49:3 & 49:5, 53, Micah 5:2 ESV), and in turn make intercession (prayer) for mankind – in his position as mediator, high priest and representation for such (1 Timothy 2:5, Isaiah 53:11-12, Romans 8:34).

Where the word ‘ransom’ ^(G3083) appears in the interlinear text, this is used in a ‘figurative’ manner as per the Strong Exhaustive Concordance’s root word useage.

When we then see the Standard Strong’s Concordance speaking of useage(s) for the word ‘ransom’, it may legally be used in the sense of ‘expiation‘ – a word which according to dictionary definitions means ‘…the act of making amends…for wrong doing’.

Such ‘making amends…for wrong doing’ (expiation) is referring to the Messiah (Christ) and his faithfully observant walk even unto death; so that he could then (Psalm 45:7) obtain the position of high priest in the order of Melchizadek, in order to make many to be accounted righteous (forgiven) – just as Isaiah had foretold;

He [G-d] shall see of the travail of his soul [shall see Christ’s faithful obedience], and shall be satisfied [satisfied with His Son]: by his [Christ’s] knowledge [of the Law of Moses and the rest of the Holy Scriptures, the way of the LORD] shall my righteous servant justify many [shall Christ make many to be accounted righteous (ref. esv) – as]; for he [Christ] shall bear their iniquities [by way of prayer (intercession; v.12) as mediator 1 Timothy 2:5]. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death [faithfully and obediently]: and he was numbered with the transgressors [though he hadn’t sinned (v.9)]; and he bare the sin of many [as mediator and high priest in the order of Melchizadek (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 4:14-16)], and made intercession for the transgressors [(Romans 8:34)].
Isaiah 53:11‭-‬12 KJV.

Potential Rebuttal;

The interpretation says that Christ was not declared high priest in the order of Melchizadek, until he was raised from the dead.

There is a verse which says that Christ has always been the same though;

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 ESV

Response; Peaceabley, when read with the fuller scope of Holy Scripture, we see that Hebrews 13:8 (above) is speaking chiefly of Christ’s steadfast faith, and inturn his sinlessness (Isaiah 53:9) – here in verse 7;

Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:7 ESV

This also speaks of the ‘outcome’ of the lives of the faithful (i.e. Christ), and his outcome was to obtain the position of sole mediator between the Holy God and men (1 Timothy 2:5).

The risen King Messiah (Christ) was declared High Priest, and we see this in such places as the following, when words like ‘arises’ are used that show progression etc.;

And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek,
Hebrews 7:15 NASB2020.

Psalm 45:7 speaks of how Christ hated wickedness [by interpretation (during his walk)], and instead loved righteousness. He was subsequently annointed above all creation, by G-d;

Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore [g]od, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Psalm 45:7 KJV ([amended])

May the Holy G-d bless you beyond maximum, believing in His risen Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Adonai Yehoshua HaMoshiach).

Related Reading;

■ How Christ Prays, And Is Not A Literal Human Sacrifice For Sin – (Verse explanations; Hebrews 9:26, 9:23, 10:5, 10:9, 10:12, 10:14, Isaiah 53:12)

www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/22/how-christ-prays-and-is-not-a-literal-human-sacrifice-for-sin-verse-explanations-hebrews-926-923-105-109-1012-1014-isaiah-5312/

■ Christ [Became] A High Priest – (Hebrews 2:17)

www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/08/christ-became-a-high-priest-hebrews-217/

■ ‘Propitiation’: Intercession, Not Human Sacrifice (1 John 2:2, Isaiah 53:12)

www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/03/10/propitiation-1-john-2-2-isaiah-5312/

■ Hebrews 7:27 Explained – Human Sacrifices Are Forbidden.

www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/29/once-for-all-when-he-offered-up-himself-hebrews-727-esv/

■ How Christ Prays, And Is Not A Literal Human Sacrifice For Sin – (Verse explanations; Hebrews 9:26, 9:23, 10:5, 10:9, 10:12, 10:14, Isaiah 53:12)

www.orthodoxmessianicjudaism.com/2021/04/22/how-christ-prays-and-is-not-a-literal-human-sacrifice-for-sin-verse-explanations-hebrews-926-923-105-109-1012-1014-isaiah-5312/

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