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Matthew 20:28 - God is Just because He is Fair.

Matthew 20:28 (NLT) For even the Son of Man 
came not to be served but to serve others and to 
give his life as a ransom for many. 

INTRODUCTION

The word translated "for" means "in the 
place of," underscoring the substitutionary nature 
of Christ's sacrifice. A "ransom" is a price 
paid to redeem a slave or a prisoner. Redemption 
does not involve a price paid to Satan. Rather, 
the ransom is offered to God to satisfy His 
justice and wrath against sin. The price paid was 
Christ's own life as a blood atonement (see Lev. 
17:11; Heb. 9:22). This, then, is the meaning of 
the cross: Christ subjected Himself to the 
divine punishment against sin on our behalf (see 
Is. 53:4, 5). Suffering the brunt of divine 
wrath in the place of sinners was the "cup" He 
spoke of having to drink, and the baptism He was 
preparing to undergo (v. 22). [MacArthur Daily Bible 
2003] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

   Why the cross? Why didnt God simply 
say, Look, everyone, I know you have sinned 
against Me, but I am going to pardon you right now. 
Its okay. I forgive all of you! 
   God didnt do that because it doesnt 
work with His nature and character. The justice 
of God requires obedience and sacrifice. He 
could not accept us into fellowship with Himself 
unless we paid the penalty"or someone paid it on 
our behalf. 
   Romans 3:25 tells us, For God 
presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are 
made right with God when they believe that Jesus 
sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice 
shows that God was being fair when he held back 
and did not punish those who sinned in times 
past (NLT). 
   The cross demonstrates the justice of 
God. At the cross of Calvary, the love and 
justice of God met. Yes, God had to satisfy His 
justice. The Scriptures say, The person who sins 
is the one who will die (Ezekiel 18:20 NLT), 
the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23 NLT), 
and without the shedding of blood, there is 
no forgiveness (Hebrews 9:22 NLT). 
   God was saying, My righteous 
requirements must be met. But I love humanity, and there 
is no way they can do it on their own. So, I 
must help them. Therefore, He sent Jesus to 
bridge the gap. 
   This is why Jesus Christ is the only way 
to God. People like to say that all roads lead 
to God. It really concerns me when I hear 
Christians parrot statements to that effect. There is 
only one path. There is only one way. If that 
were not true, then why did Jesus have to die? If 
all roads lead to God, then why did Jesus go 
through the anguish, torture, and pain of the 
cross? 
   The primary reason Jesus came to this 
earth was to die for our sins. [Greg Laurie from 
Harvest Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

TEXTS FOR FURTHER STUDY

Deuteronomy 32:4 (NKJV) He is the Rock, His 
work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A 
God of truth and without injustice; Righteous 
and upright is He.  

Psalm 89:14 (NKJV) Righteousness and justice 
are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and 
truth go before Your face.  

Isaiah 30:18 (NKJV) Therefore the LORD will 
wait, that He may be gracious to you; And 
therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy 
on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; 
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/