Category Archives: Salvation with Jesus

He Came for All People

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Who did Jesus come for? 

The first visitors of Jesus covered a broad spectrum of people.  We have the shepherds, who were poor, uneducated and likely represented the lowest end of the economic spectrum of that time.  Then we have Magi, who seemed to represent a kingly class, educated and wealthy.

The shepherds appeared to have nothing to offer the newly born Messiah other than themselves and their faith in believing that what the angels had told them was true.  The Magi, on the other hand, were learned astrologers who studied ancient writings and the heavens to discover the rising of a new star. Some scripture scholars believe that they were of a Persian priestly class.

The angel told the shepherds that Jesus had come for all people.  “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.” (Luke 2:10)

The “good news” was not just for the shepherds or the Jewish people, but for all people.  All people included the unbelieving and pagan world of the Roman and Greek cultures; it includes people who are Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu.  It includes the atheists of our day.

Whether they know it or not, Jesus is everyone’s savior. 

The prophet Isaiah says that Jesus came for the poor, the brokenhearted, the captives, those who mourn and grieve, and those who are in despair and darkness.  He says that Jesus wants to give them a crown of beauty and a garment of praise so that they may become oaks of righteousness. (Is. 61:1-3)

While Jesus walked this earth he did exactly what Isaiah said.  Today, he expects to continue to do this, but through us by the power of his Holy Spirit.

For us, “everyone” includes the check-out clerk in the grocery store, the telephone solicitor who we hang up on, the person at work who is difficult to get along with, the person asking for money outside the metro station, the person who talks during church services or the children who can’t sit still.  “Everyone” includes those who think different politically than we do and even the terrorists who wish to do us harm.

Lord, when I see people you put in my life, let me look upon them with the understanding that you came for them just as you came for me.  It doesn’t matter who they are, what their religion, race, position or financial status is.  Your offer of salvation and new life is available to them.  Let me use the opportunity to introduce them to you first through my conduct and second by my words as you give me the opportunity.

John’s Gospel tells us that all who accept you, Lord Jesus, and believe on your name will become sons of God. (John 1:12)

 

Light, Salvation and Peace

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candleLight, salvation and peace were to accompany the coming of Jesus, according to Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah, Simeon, and the angels appearing to the shepherds.

Light

Zechariah, father of John the Baptist, after proclaiming that John would be called “prophet of the most high,” said “the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death.”  Simeon, who was in the temple at the presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph, declared that Jesus would be “a light for revelation to the Gentiles,” echoing the words of Isaiah.

Salvation

Zechariah said that John, in preparing the way for Jesus, would give people “the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”   Simeon said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation.” Centuries earlier Jeremiah predicted that God would make a new covenant involving the forgiveness of sins, “For I will forgive their wickedness and remember their sins no more.”   On the evening of Jesus’ birth, the angels declared to the shepherds, “Today in the City of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.”  And, the very name of Jesus means, “The Lord saves.”  

Peace

The angels also declared, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”  Isaiah called him the “Prince of Peace.”

In the cosmic battle of good versus evil, and God versus Satan, God moves in an entirely unexpected way in becoming one of his created in the person of Jesus, to lead his human creation back from destruction and death, to life and God’s presence.  

The religious leaders of Jesus’ day never expected God to act in this way.  A king would never be born in a cave in the presence of animals with a feeding trough for a crib.  The innkeeper who turned Joseph away certainly did not recognize that he was denying a room to the “King of Kings” and the “Lord of Lords.”

The coming of Jesus brings us the light of his revelation and truth to overcome the darkness and errant ways of the world.  He brings us salvation through the forgiveness of sins.  He brings us the peace that passes all understanding if we trust in his care and provision.

On the eve of the celebration of his birth, the world slows down, his peace descends, “all is calm; all is bright.”  The Holy Spirit brings quiet; the night is silent.  Goodness (God) prevails.