SA04 - What Does the Ransom Teach Us?
The ransom is a priceless gift from Jehovah, demonstrating His love and Jesus' willing sacrifice, which allows us to have a close friendship with God and the hope of everlasting life. As we approach the Memorial on April 12, 2025, we are encouraged to meditate on what Jehovah and Jesus have done for us, deepening our appreciation for this provision.
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WHAT DOES THE RANSOM TEACH US?
“By this the love of God was revealed.” - 1 John 4:9
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THE RANSOM—A PRICELESS GIFT
- The ransom is a priceless gift from Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 9:15)
- Jesus sacrificed his human life so we can have a close friendship with Jehovah.It gives us the prospect of everlasting life. (Romans 5:8)
- The annual Memorial of Jesus’ death helps us remain grateful for this gift. (Luke 22:19,20)
- This year, the Memorial will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025—a significant event for all.
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WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAHJehovah’s Justice
- Jehovah’s justice required a ransom because sin and death entered through Adam. (Romans 5:12)
- One disobedient perfect man (Adam) caused sin and death, so one obedient perfect man (Jesus) was needed to redeem us. (Romans 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:6)
- Jehovah could not simply overlook sin—his justice demanded that a price be paid.
- If Jehovah ignored Adam’s sin, people might doubt that He keeps His promises.
- The ransom proves Jehovah will always do what is right, even at great cost to Himself.
Jehovah’s Love
- The ransom is the ultimate expression of Jehovah’s love. (John 3:16; 1 John4:9, 10)
- Jehovah not only wants us to live forever but also to be part of His family.
- Because of the ransom, our sins can be forgiven, and we can have a warm relationship with Jehovah. (Romans 5:10, 11)
- The cost of the ransom was immense—Jehovah watched Jesus suffer, yet He allowed it to happen so we could be saved. (Matthew 27:28-31, 39, 42, 43)
- Jehovah felt deep pain as He observed Jesus’ suffering, similar to how Abraham must have felt when asked to sacrifice Isaac. (Genesis 22:9-12; Hebrews 11:17-19)
- No one loves us as much as Jehovah does—not even our closest relatives or best friends. (Romans 8:32, 38, 39)
- Jehovah desires our salvation even more than we do. He deeply wants to forgive us and give us everlasting life.
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WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JESUS
Jesus' Integrity and Love for His Father- Jesus was deeply concerned about Jehovah’s reputation. (John 14:31)
- He prayed to avoid reproach on His Father’s name but remained obedient. (Matthew 26:39)
- By keeping integrity, Jesus refuted Satan’s claim that humans would not remain loyal under test. (Job 2:4, 5)
- His obedience proved that Adam’s failure was not Jehovah’s fault—Adam could have remained faithful if he had chosen to.
- Jesus loved his disciples "to the end." (John 13:1)
- He put his whole heart into preaching, teaching, and serving others. (Proverbs 8:31)
- Even during his last hours, Jesus:
- Washed his disciples' feet to teach humility. (John 13:12-15)
- Encouraged a dying criminal by giving him hope. (Luke 23:42, 43)
- Arranged for his mother’s care while on the torture stake. (John 19:26,27)
Jesus Continues to Work for Us
- Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all time”, but he still makes sacrifices for us today. (Romans 6:10)
- He is actively:Serving as our King, High Priest, and the head of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 5:23; Hebrews 2:17)
- Overseeing the gathering of God’s people. (Matthew 25:32; Mark 13:27)
- Ensuring that his followers receive spiritual food during these last days. (Matthew 24:45)
- Preparing to serve our interests throughout his Millennial Reign.
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NEVER STOP LEARNING
- Keep meditating on Jehovah’s and Jesus’ love, especially during the Memorial season.
- Consider reading the Gospels slowly to find new insights about Jehovah and Jesus.
- There is always more to learn about God’s justice, love, and the ransom.
The ransom is the greatest proof of Jehovah’s love—a gift beyond compare!
Thank you for reading,
-Soli Jehova Gloria (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
7 comments
This article was perfect for this campaign memorial season.
I really enjoyed studying this Watchtower lesson.
I agree with all the comments, this article made me think the cost of the ransom, what a great expression of Jehovah’s love for us.
I can really appreciate that Jehovah didn’t just forgive Adam’s sin outright, because that would have ignored justice. Instead, he provided the ransom, which was both loving and just! 💗What a loving creator.
What a contrast between Adam and Jesus! One chose selfishness, the other chose sacrifice. This really strengthens my love for Jesus and what he did for us, and the gift of his son that Jehovah gave.