"With this silver, I've bought your soul!"

Recognize that line? Here's another one of my favorites from Precious Stones & Alabaster: Gifts of Advice for Christian Women Starting College

Ransomed

Les Misérables is the best Broadway play ever in the history of theatre… in my humble opinion. The story is incredible to the very last scene, but the most amazing part is the beginning. Jean Valjean (pronounced with a French accent, of course) is a criminal recently paroled from prison for stealing bread to feed his starving family. He has no place to stay, but a kindly priest and his wife take Jean in, feed him and provide him lodging.

During the night, Jean, who is mad at God for being unjust, steals the priest’s silver serving pieces and runs. The police catch him the next day and Jean swears that the priest gave him the silver. Jean is taken back to the priest to confess, and the most incredible exchange happens.

Upon seeing Jean in the hands of the police, the priest says, “Ah, Jean Valjean, there you are and thank you for finding him, officers. Yes, I did give him the silver, and Valjean, you forgot the candlesticks that are worth at least 2000 franks. Why did you leave them?” The police unhand Valjean and leave. Jean asks the priest, “Why are you doing this?”

The priest grasps Jean by the shoulders and looks intently into his eyes. “Jean Valjean, my brother, you no longer belong to evil. With this silver, I’ve bought your soul. I’ve ransomed you from fear and hatred. Now I give you back to God.” Jean Valjean goes on to do great things. His life is not free from trials, but Jean is not only freed from his criminal past, he helps many other suffering people as well.

Isn’t this the very picture of what God has done for us through His Son, Jesus? As an unbeliever you were just like Jean Valjean; a common criminal looking for nourishment to satisfy your hunger and a place to lay your head. God gave as a sacrifice something much more precious than silver serving pieces or silver candlesticks. With His very own Son, He has ransomed you from fear and hatred, from sin and destruction. With the sacrificial blood of Jesus, your soul has been purchased at a very high price.

“…the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20:28 (NIV)

The priest bestows great charity toward Jean Valjean, and as a result, Jean becomes a compassionate and merciful friend toward others. Through this one act of love, Jean’s life is transformed from evil to good.

How can you show Christ’s love to your fellow students? You don’t have to spend lots of money. Just use the resources you already have. I’m sure you can see that many of your fellow students are desperate for a kind word or gesture. Be the one in your Bible study, Christian student organization or even in class who reaches out to the students who need a friend. You need not sacrifice silver candlesticks to show mercy and compassion toward a fellow student, just a little of your time and compassion.