For the Son of Man Himself did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
This is one of the deepest sayings in the whole Gospel. Christ presents Himself both as an example and as a saving sacrifice. He who is worthy of all service and worship came not to demand, but to give. His service reaches its climax on the cross, where He gives His life as a ransom. The word “ransom” shows the price of liberation, paid for those who were in the captivity of sin and death. The phrase “for many” reveals the substitutionary nature of His death: He gives Himself for the salvation of others. This saying is not only an example of humility, but the heart of the Gospel: the Savior serves by dying in the place of sinners.