Jesus the man – our ransom is paid

1 Timothy 2:1-7

¹ I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. ⁷ And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.

In these days of computer hackers and big data breaches, most of us are unfortunately aware of ransomware. I’m told it is when hackers encrypt computer systems and information therein, taking control of everything from the company which owns it. They will only allow access again on the payment of a ransom. It’s money they don’t deserve but is the only way to gain control and freedom to use the information again.

Paul makes a profound statement of biblical truth in verses 5 and 6 of this passage:

“For there is one God and one meditator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.”

Wow!

What did Jesus do for us to make him the “one mediator”? He became a man, he gave himself, and he is the ransom, the undeserved payment to set us free.

Why does Paul emphasise “the man Christ Jesus”? Jesus took on human form so he could be the perfect necessary sacrifice in our place. His sacrifice of a human life was necessary to save all human lives. There wasn’t going to be another person, ever, who could be that perfect sacrifice. Just as we all died through the first man “Adam”, all are made alive through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:22). Also, I believe he is emphasising that Jesus was totally man, not just partly. A person like us.

He gave himself for us – Jesus sacrificed so much for us, starting with leaving God and living on earth, becoming a human, and of course giving his life in our place. Yes, it was God’s plan for him to be the sacrifice in our place, but let’s not lose sight of how Jesus humbled himself becoming obedient to death on a cross. His struggle in the garden was a human struggle when facing fear – fear of pain, of being abandoned, of being judged, and ultimately of being separated from God when he died. I am so humbled by what he gave for me.

Lastly, Jesus was a ransom for all people – he sets us free from the captivity of sin, and from the “wages of sin”, which is death. His life is the payment we didn’t deserve (Rom 5:8-9) but from which we get freedom and everything. Freedom to live for God. Set free for life!

Dear Lord Jesus, I am humbled at all you gave up for me to have life, to be set free from the punishment that was what I deserved. You were the only one ever that did not deserve punishment. You gave it all for me. By your Holy Spirit in me, help me to live for you. Amen

Written by Claire Moore