Matthew 20:28

KJV

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even as {G5618} the Son {G5207} of man {G444} came {G2064} not {G3756} to be ministered unto {G1247}, but {G235} to minister {G1247}, and {G2532} to give {G1325} his {G846} life {G5590} a ransom {G3083} for {G473} many {G4183}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve -- and to give his life as a ransom for many."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 20:28 encapsulates the core purpose of Jesus Christ's earthly ministry, revealing His radical redefinition of leadership and the ultimate goal of His incarnation. In stark contrast to worldly aspirations for power and recognition, Jesus declares that He, the Son of Man, did not come to be served, but rather to serve others, culminating in the sacrificial giving of His life as a redemptive payment for the liberation of many from the bondage of sin.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This profound declaration by Jesus immediately follows a pivotal moment of misunderstanding and ambition among His disciples. James and John, through their mother, petition Jesus for positions of unparalleled honor and authority in His coming kingdom, requesting to sit at His right and left hand ([Matthew 20:20-21](/matthew/20-20-21 "The Request of James and John")). This request sparks indignation among the other ten disciples ([Matthew 20:24](/matthew/20-24 "The Indignation of the Ten Disciples")), highlighting their continued struggle to grasp the true nature of Jesus' messianic mission. In response, Jesus gathers them to deliver a foundational teaching on true greatness, contrasting the oppressive, hierarchical rule of Gentile leaders with the divine standard of humble, self-sacrificing servant leadership, which He Himself embodies and summarizes in this verse ([Matthew 20:25-27](/matthew/20-25-27 "Jesus Teaches on Servant Leadership")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of "greatness" in the ancient world was typically associated with power, dominion, and the ability to exact service from others. Roman and Hellenistic rulers, along with many Jewish religious leaders, exercised authority from a position of privilege, expecting deference and tribute. Slavery was a pervasive institution, and the idea of a king or a divine figure humbling himself to serve, let alone to die as a "ransom" for others, was utterly counter-cultural and scandalous. The term "ransom" (Greek: _lytron_) would have been understood in the context of freeing slaves or prisoners of war through a payment, making Jesus' statement about His life a direct challenge to prevailing notions of power and worth.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 20:28 is a cornerstone for several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader New Testament. It powerfully articulates the theme of **Radical Servant Leadership**, directly challenging the disciples' (and our) worldly ambitions by presenting Jesus' own life as the ultimate paradigm of leadership defined by humble service rather than domination. This theme is further developed in passages such as [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience"). Secondly, the verse introduces the critical theme of **Sacrificial Atonement**, clearly stating that Jesus' death was not an unfortunate accident but the divinely appointed purpose of His coming – to offer His life as a redemptive payment for sin. This points forward to the crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Gospel's narrative and the entire Christian message of salvation, as seen in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love"). Finally, it succinctly defines the **Purpose of the Incarnation**, explaining why the Son of God became the Son of Man: to fulfill God's redemptive plan through active service and ultimate self-sacrifice. This ties into the broader narrative of God's saving work throughout history, foreshadowed even in the Old Testament, such as the suffering servant passages in [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "The Suffering Servant of Isaiah 53").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **minister (Greek, _diakonéō_):** From the root meaning "to be an attendant," this word signifies active, humble service, waiting upon others, often in a menial or practical capacity. It emphasizes a disposition of self-giving and practical assistance rather than receiving service or holding a position of authority for personal gain. This is the root of our English word "deacon," signifying one who serves.
* **give (Greek, _dídōmi_):** This verb is broad in its application, meaning "to give" in a very wide sense, often implying a deliberate bestowal or surrender. In this context, it highlights the volitional and intentional nature of Jesus' act – He was not forced, but freely and purposefully gave His life. It underscores the active agency of Christ in His redemptive work.
* **ransom (Greek, _lýtron_):** Derived from a word meaning "to loosen," _lytron_ refers to a price paid to secure the release or liberation of a slave, prisoner, or captive. It denotes a payment made for redemption from bondage. Here, it explicitly defines the nature of Jesus' death: it was a substitutionary payment, a means of liberation for humanity from the dominion of sin and death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even as the Son of man came":** This opening phrase establishes the essential nature and purpose of Jesus' incarnation. The title "Son of Man" (Greek: _ho huios tou anthrōpou_) is Jesus' preferred self-designation, linking Him to humanity while simultaneously carrying profound messianic and eschatological significance, drawing from Daniel's vision of a divine figure given everlasting dominion ([Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man in Daniel's Vision")). His "coming" refers to His entire earthly sojourn, from birth to crucifixion.
* **"not to be ministered unto, but to minister":** This is a radical declaration of purpose, directly contrasting with the disciples' aspirations and the world's understanding of greatness. Jesus explicitly states His mission was not to be served or to receive honor, but to actively serve others. This redefines leadership as humble, self-giving service, turning conventional power structures on their head.
* **"and to give his life a ransom for many":** This climactic clause reveals the ultimate act of Jesus' ministry. The "giving of His life" points directly to His sacrificial death on the cross. This death is not a tragedy or an accident, but a deliberate, purposeful act. It is a "ransom" (_lytron_), a payment made to liberate humanity from the bondage of sin, death, and the devil. The phrase "for many" signifies that this redemptive act is effective for all who believe, providing a vast and inclusive scope for His atoning work.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 20:28 is rich in literary devices that amplify its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Jesus explicitly states what He did *not* come to do ("not to be ministered unto") in opposition to what He *did* come to do ("but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many"). This stark juxtaposition highlights the radical nature of His mission compared to worldly expectations. There is also an element of **Paradox**, as the one who is truly great, the Son of Man, achieves His greatness not through being served, but through serving and ultimately sacrificing Himself. This subverts conventional wisdom about power and authority. Finally, the term "ransom" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** (or a **Simile** if "as" is emphasized in the broader context) for the atoning work of Christ, likening His life to a payment that secures freedom. This metaphor draws on familiar concepts of liberation through payment, making the abstract concept of atonement tangible and understandable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 20:28 stands as a theological linchpin, connecting the person and work of Jesus Christ to the broader narrative of God's redemptive plan. It profoundly shapes our understanding of Christology, particularly His roles as the humble Servant-King and the atoning Lamb. This verse underscores that Jesus' identity as the Son of Man is inextricably linked to His mission of self-sacrifice, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a suffering servant who would bear the iniquities of many. It establishes the substitutionary nature of His death, where His life is given in exchange for the freedom of humanity from sin's dominion, thereby laying the groundwork for the doctrine of atonement and the justification of believers by grace through faith.

* [Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark's Parallel Account of Jesus' Mission")
* [Isaiah 53:10-12](/isaiah/53-10-12 "The Suffering Servant's Sacrifice for Many")
* [1 Timothy 2:5-6](/1_timothy/2-5-6 "Christ Jesus, the One Mediator and Ransom for All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 20:28 provides a profound challenge and a liberating paradigm for all who follow Christ. It compels us to re-evaluate our understanding of leadership, success, and purpose, shifting our focus from self-aggrandizement to selfless service. If the Son of God, in His divine majesty, came not to be served but to minister, how much more should His followers embrace a life marked by humility, compassion, and active service to others? This verse calls us to lay aside personal ambition for the sake of the kingdom, to seek opportunities to uplift and empower, rather than to be elevated ourselves. Furthermore, the immense truth that Jesus gave His life as a "ransom for many" should evoke profound gratitude and awe. It reminds us of the immeasurable cost of our salvation and the depth of God's love, inspiring us to live lives worthy of such a sacrifice, characterized by worship, obedience, and a passionate desire to share this liberating truth with the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to seek to be "ministered unto" rather than to "minister"?**
* **How does Jesus' example of servant leadership challenge my own understanding of power, influence, and success?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to embody the spirit of service that Jesus demonstrated?**
* **How does the truth that Jesus gave His life as a "ransom for many" deepen my appreciation for the Gospel and my own salvation?**

### FAQ
**What does "Son of Man" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Son of Man" (Greek: _ho huios tou anthrōpou_) is Jesus' most frequent self-designation. It emphasizes His true humanity, His solidarity with mankind, and His identification with the human race. However, it also carries profound theological weight, drawing from the Old Testament, particularly [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Vision of the Son of Man in Daniel"), where a "Son of Man" figure is presented as a divine, messianic figure who receives everlasting dominion and glory. In Matthew 20:28, it signifies that the one who is both fully human and divinely appointed is the one who comes to serve and to offer His life as a ransom.

**Why does Jesus say "for many" instead of "for all"?**

Answer: The phrase "for many" (Greek: _hyper pollōn_) does not necessarily imply a limited atonement, but rather emphasizes the vast scope and efficacy of Christ's sacrifice. In biblical usage, "many" can often refer to an innumerable multitude or all who are encompassed by a particular action, rather than a restricted number. For example, in [Romans 5:19](/romans/5-19 "Adam's Disobedience and Christ's Obedience"), Paul states that "by the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous," where "the many" clearly refers to all who are justified. The emphasis is on the effectiveness of the ransom for a multitude, rather than on an exclusion of others. Other passages, like [1 Timothy 2:6](/1_timothy/2-6 "Christ a Ransom for All"), explicitly state that Christ gave Himself as a "ransom for all."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 20:28 is a profound Christ-centered statement, encapsulating the very essence of Jesus' redemptive mission and His identity as the promised Messiah. The title "Son of Man" points directly to His unique dual nature – fully God and fully human – fulfilling Old Testament prophecies of a coming deliverer who would share in our humanity yet possess divine authority, as seen in [Daniel 7:13-14](/daniel/7-13-14 "The Son of Man's Dominion"). His declaration that He "came not to be ministered unto, but to minister" is a radical redefinition of messianic expectation, revealing Him not as a conquering king who demands homage, but as the humble Servant of Yahweh, echoing the suffering servant songs of [Isaiah 53](/isaiah/53 "The Suffering Servant of Isaiah"). The climax of the verse, "and to give his life a ransom for many," is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It foreshadows the cross, where Jesus, the spotless [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice to pay the debt of sin that humanity could not pay. His death is not merely an example of selfless love, but a substitutionary atonement, liberating those who believe from the bondage of sin and death, thereby fulfilling the Old Testament sacrificial system and paving the way for new covenant life in Him ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Thus, Matthew 20:28 is a concise theological summary of the Gospel itself, revealing Jesus as the Servant-King who redeems His people through His ultimate act of self-giving love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 9:28

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Luke 22:27

For whether [is] greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? [is] not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Titus 2:14

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 3:18

¶ For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Timothy 2:6

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

Philippians 2:4

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:8

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.