THE HEART OF WHO JESUS IS
In Luke 2 an angel shares with the shepherds about Jesus, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born, He is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10,11).
Jesus carries many names and titles but the three mentioned by the angel reveal the heart of His mission. First is Savior. Jesus saves us from our sins. This Savior title means that he paid the price that we owed to the holiness and justice of God for our transgressions. Left on our own as rebels against God’s authority we would be eternally expelled by God from His holy presence when we die. Our eternity is described as fiery, dark, painful, isolated and devoid of all that is good. In contrast, through the sacrifice of Jesus we can be forgiven and look forward to an eternity of astounding joy. The debt we could not pay is paid in full by Jesus when he died on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). In addition, in life through Christ we have the power to live differently. We can experience wholeness, flourish and become the people God intended for us to be. This sanctifying work is not instant but progressive so through the years we grow and mature (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The second name is Messiah. This means anointed one. This title reminds us to look all the way back to the first Messianic prophecy in Genesis 3:15. In this prophecy, right after the fall of mankind, we are told by God that someone is coming to help. Someone will crush the head of Satan our archenemy. This person is prophesied about at various times and by many Jewish prophets. We are told to look for one born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem, a descendent of King David, and a healer to name a few. This title gives us hope because it reveals that God is a promise keeper. Through all the darkness of human history God was working to bring Jesus into the picture. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises of God; He is exhibit A in the pile of evidence for the faithfulness of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The third title is Lord. This title points to the unique nature of Jesus Christ. He is one person who is made up of two natures, fully human and fully divine. He is the God-man (Colossians 1:19, Hebrews 2:17). This identity is unique in all human history. Jesus is more than a great teacher, prophet, or life coach He is God. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his dead friend Lazarus and called him out of his grave. Stunning. In addition, he predicted his own death and resurrection. He then died and walked out of His own grave! Millions in our world have bowed their knee to the authority of Jesus. Christians long for His promised return when He will reign over all!
Savior, Messiah, and Lord. These titles reveal the heart of who Jesus is. This Christmas do not leave Jesus as a baby in a manager, understand and embrace His full identity. Make Christmas more than simply a holiday, make it the start of a beautiful relationship with Jesus. I invite you to follow Him.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Jesus carries many names and titles but the three mentioned by the angel reveal the heart of His mission. First is Savior. Jesus saves us from our sins. This Savior title means that he paid the price that we owed to the holiness and justice of God for our transgressions. Left on our own as rebels against God’s authority we would be eternally expelled by God from His holy presence when we die. Our eternity is described as fiery, dark, painful, isolated and devoid of all that is good. In contrast, through the sacrifice of Jesus we can be forgiven and look forward to an eternity of astounding joy. The debt we could not pay is paid in full by Jesus when he died on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). In addition, in life through Christ we have the power to live differently. We can experience wholeness, flourish and become the people God intended for us to be. This sanctifying work is not instant but progressive so through the years we grow and mature (2 Corinthians 3:18).
The second name is Messiah. This means anointed one. This title reminds us to look all the way back to the first Messianic prophecy in Genesis 3:15. In this prophecy, right after the fall of mankind, we are told by God that someone is coming to help. Someone will crush the head of Satan our archenemy. This person is prophesied about at various times and by many Jewish prophets. We are told to look for one born of a virgin, born in Bethlehem, a descendent of King David, and a healer to name a few. This title gives us hope because it reveals that God is a promise keeper. Through all the darkness of human history God was working to bring Jesus into the picture. Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises of God; He is exhibit A in the pile of evidence for the faithfulness of God (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The third title is Lord. This title points to the unique nature of Jesus Christ. He is one person who is made up of two natures, fully human and fully divine. He is the God-man (Colossians 1:19, Hebrews 2:17). This identity is unique in all human history. Jesus is more than a great teacher, prophet, or life coach He is God. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his dead friend Lazarus and called him out of his grave. Stunning. In addition, he predicted his own death and resurrection. He then died and walked out of His own grave! Millions in our world have bowed their knee to the authority of Jesus. Christians long for His promised return when He will reign over all!
Savior, Messiah, and Lord. These titles reveal the heart of who Jesus is. This Christmas do not leave Jesus as a baby in a manager, understand and embrace His full identity. Make Christmas more than simply a holiday, make it the start of a beautiful relationship with Jesus. I invite you to follow Him.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
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