In 1193, the English King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was returning from leading a Crusade to the Holy Land. As he returned through Europe, Leopold V captured him in Austria. The Roman Emperor demanded a ransom for Richard's release. The price was to be 150,000 marks, equal to three tons of silver. This was an enormous ransom demand. But the people of England so loved their king they submitted to extra taxation, and many nobles donated their fortunes for Richard's release. After many months, the money was raised and King Richard returned to England. That's where we get the expression, "a king's ransom.”But to us, the term "a King's ransom" could better be applied to the tremendous price Jesus, the King of Kings paid for our sins on the cross. This King wasn't being ransomed; He paid the ransom so we can be set free. It is the most expensive ransom in the history of mankind.Mark 10:45 - “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.”What is a ransom? Dictionary: A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a prisoner. In the Greek language, the word ransom used in Mark 10:45 means “the price required to free a slave.”This word “ransom” was often used to refer to slaves.  Every day you could go downtown Rome to the open market and there was a slave market. You could go and buy slaves.  Bible scholars tell us there were over a half million slaves in Rome during New Testament times.  It is estimated that over half the population in Rome were slaves.  If you had the money you could buy slaves that were put up on the auction block and do whatever you wanted with them.  Purchasing a slave was called ransom.  You could either take them home with you or you could set them free. Today, you are I are not as familiar with this idea. Though slavery still exists, it is not openly practiced and endorsed. What we need to see though is that apart from Christ we are slaves in a spiritual sense.We are slaves to our sin, our pride, and our rebellion. We are slaves to worldy passions and desires. Though we try and struggle, we do not possess the power to set ourselves free.Throughout church history, many have suggested that Satan is the one to whom the ransom of Jesus’ death was paid. This cannot be accurate because the devil had no right to demand a ransom for our salvation. The price Jesus paid by his sacrificial death was a payment demanded by God.God, in His perfect holiness, demands a ransom to release us from the sin and condemnation into which we are born. Christ’s death on the cross satisfied the justice of a righteous and holy God. On the cross, Jesus shouted out, “It is finished.” The payment had been made. God’s justice had been satisfied. As a result we can go free. We do not have to fear the wrath of God.In ransoming us from God’s wrath, our Savior also rescues us from bondage to sin and Satan. That means that we are no longer compelled to sin but now can live in a way that pleases the LordIsn’t this an amazing truth? God demanded such a high price and then pays it for us! It reminds me of the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”This ransom, this redemption was paid by the precious blood of Jesus. Given to us by His grace, we now can have forgiveness of sins.Today’s Challenge: What can we say in response to this wonderful truth? The only proper response is worship. Today, rejoice in your salvation. Reflect on how blessed you are to have freedom in Christ. Give Him the praise and worship that He alone deserves.

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