Mark 10:45 (NKJV)

Mark 10:45 (NKJV)

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

This verse is the dividing point of the book of Mark. The first section of the book has emphasized His servanthood, whereas the second section will emphasize His coming death. Having predicted His death three times, Jesus now explains its purpose. This is a rare insight afforded in the Synoptic Gospels which emphasize the training of the Twelve and forms the seed for further explanation offered in the Epistles. Jesus’ life as a ransom (Gk. lutron) means it is the price paid to free slaves, hostages or others. It is found only here and in Matt. 20:28 in the NT, although used frequently in extra-biblical writings. Christ’s life is given for (Gk. anti) others, in place of others, indicating the substitutionary nature of His death. The word many simply contrasts the idea of one for many others and is not a limitation. Certainly Christ died for all (2 Cor. 5:14; 1 Tim. 2:6; 1 John 2:2).