She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
In this simple verse – you may wish to read it again – is the profound truth that Jesus was born to accomplish something.
At Christmas, Jesus is often treated as a mere symbol: a symbol of peace, love, or sentimentality. A symbol of cute babies everywhere, perhaps. Yet the story told of this newborn, in all the New Testament, does not allow for this baby to be left in the manger. He grew up and did something with his life, something profound: he accomplished an extraordinary rescue effort.
This simple verse – you may wish to read it again – also rules out the idea that Jesus was just another enlightened sage. A mere teacher is not someone who “will save his people from their sins.” And, again, the rest of the gospel story and the rest of the New Testament does not allow for such a view of Jesus. Was he a great teacher? Yes – he was the best. But he was more. His words were combined with deeds, and not only good deeds – saving deeds. Jesus was not just an ethical guy, he was the savior.
Who is Jesus to you? Symbol? Teacher? Example?
Or Savior?
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3 comments:
I think it is important to note that in that verse, Jesus saves HIS people from their sins, not all people. I think that there is a big misconception, particluarly in the Catholic church, that Jesus died for everyone--I guess that is called Universalism? It is good to note that there are a select few for whom Jesus died, God's chosen. Those out there with "intellectual assent" in their back pockets better watch out!
I've never heard of "intellectual assent". What does that mean exactly?
"Intellectual assent" refers, in Christian circles, to affirming the basic facts about Jesus without truly embracing them in a life changing way. So for example, someone who has grown up in the church might say if asked that Jesus is the Son of God; but if not asked, Jesus doesn't really make a difference in his/her life.
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