“Forgiveness” means “bearing the loss” or “absorbing the cost.”

The more loving, benevolent, and kind you are, the more forgiveness becomes an insoluble problem.

“If God were truly loving, He would just forgive me?”

  

Do you remember what Christmas was like when you were a child?

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.

-Mark 10:13-16

  

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

-Mark 10:45

WONDER - CHILDLIKE - RANSOM

  

Ransom= Greek: Lutron

The word originates from the practice of warfare, the price paid to bring a prisoner of war out of captivity and slavery.

I could accept Jesus as a martyr and as an embodiment of sacrifice and as a divine teacher. His death on the cross was a great example to the world, but, that there was anything like a mysterious and miraculous virtue in it, my heart cannot accept.

-Ghandi

  

If the cross is only subjective, it is not subjectively liberating.

If I see Jesus up there on the cross, praying for me, forgiving me, objectively pay my debt, then it begins to liberate me.

“Ransom” has both an “Objective side” and a “Subjective side.”

Outside: A debt has been paid. Objective. 

Inside: A condition has changed. Subjective.

  

We are overcompensating, selfish, self-absorbed, self-promoting people, perpetually depressed by the reality that we know who we really are.

Other religions give you information. Jesus gives you a story.

Jesus’ Ransom is the only thing that can truly break through your selfishness and liberate you.

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

-Mark 10:45

  

Jesus came to pay the debt and to free the heart.

How do we connect with that?

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…

-Romans 8:26

  

If your view of yourself is too high, you will not be dependent like a child.

If you have too low a view of the love of Jesus, you are not spiritually child-like!

  

Religion is the enemy of the cross and of your soul because it gives you a false sense of security.

  

Until you are childlike, not childish, the power of the cross cannot come into your life.

RANSOM - CHILDLIKE - WONDER

  

The cross does not give you a proposition.

The cross gives you a story—a true story—a Ransom Story.

  

1 - You will know intimacy

If you being evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to you?

-Luke 11:13

  

2 - You will know assurance

  

3 - You will know inheritance

Now if we are children, then we are heirs.

-Romans 8:17a

  

Why would you seek the approval of the peasants when you have the love and acceptance of the King?

Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you.'

-Matthew 21:31b

  

  

    

  

What are your main takeaways from this message?

Make a Decision