32 | The Journal of Inductive Biblical Studies 4/1:32–60 (Winter 2017)
The Ransom Saying (Matt 20:28): A Fresh Perspective Jerry D. Breen jerry.breen@asburyseminary.edu Abstract: The ransom saying in Matthew and Mark has intrigued scholars for centuries. Modern scholars were determined to ascertain the precise meaning of the saying to the Gospel’s writers, readers, and Jesus himself. The consensus opinion that Isa 53 provides the background of the saying was challenged by two prominent NT scholars in 1959. Since then the discussion has focused on the linguistic and conceptual parallels between the ransom saying and relevant backgrounds that introduced insightful arguments for and against parallels but largely ignored the contexts of the Gospels themselves. This paper seeks to elucidate the meaning of the ransom saying by identifying the relevant contextual evidence in Matthew and applying it to the discussion. Through this study, it will be demonstrated that the ransom saying should be viewed through the lens of Dan 7 and Isa 40–55. Keywords: ransom, ransom saying, Son of Man, Suffering Servant, Daniel 7; Matthew 20:28