Daily text, for Sunday, March 20. 2016

[Queen Esther]

The Son of man came . . . to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.—Matt. 20:28.

How would this ransom satisfy justice? (1 Tim. 2:5, 6) As a perfect man, Jesus had prospects similar to those of Adam before he sinned. Jehovah’s purpose was to fill the earth with Adam’s perfect offspring. Hence, with deep love for his Father and for Adam’s descendants, Jesus gave up his human life in sacrifice. Yes, Jesus gave up a perfect human life that corresponded to what Adam had lost. Thereafter, Jehovah restored his Son to life as a spirit. (1 Pet. 3:18) Jehovah could justly accept the sacrifice of that one perfect man, Jesus, as a ransom, or purchase price, to buy back Adam’s family and give them the life prospects that Adam had forfeited. In a sense, Jesus took the place of Adam.—1 Cor. 15:45. w14 9/15 4:11, 12

Memorial Bible reading: (Daytime events: Nisan 10) Mark 11:12-19