Hello Beloved,
As we continue our study of the names and titles for Jesus, we were previously in the Old Testament and have moved to the New Testament. Last month, we considered the title of Jesus as “Redeemer.” This month we will continue to follow Elmer Towns’ categories of names, considering the title of Jesus as “Savior.” It has been said, “You can't claim God as your Father until you claim Christ as your Savior.” (—The Complete Book of Zingers)
Many may find it ironic that the Bible rarely uses the name “Savior” for Jesus considering His central purpose and ministry. Being “Savior” is focal to all that Jesus did. We remember that prior to Christ’s birth, an angel of the Lord told Joseph in a dream, “you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” Matthew 1:21 (ESV). A little later, immediately after Christ’s birth, an angel announced the title of “Savior” to shepherds in a field that were keeping watch over their flock, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord”
Luke 2:11 (ESV). During Jesus’ ministry, a group of Samaritans listened to Jesus at Sychar and assessed that He deserved this title, calling Him the “Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
The title of “Savior” is not only seldom used in the gospels, but it is also rarely used in the New Testament epistles. However, the Bible does communicate that both Peter and Paul used the title of Savior for Jesus as recorded in the book of Acts. Peter and the rest of the Apostles boldly spoke about Jesus before the Sanhedrin, saying: “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins” Acts 5:31 (ESV). Paul communicated about Christ to those in Pisidia Antioch, “God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised” Acts 13:23 (ESV).
Towns conjectures as to why such an important title for Jesus like “Savior” would be used so little by the Apostles. One reason may be that “Savior of the world” was also a title of Caesar, so the Apostles could have been trying to avoid confrontation with the authorities. The next reason is that both Paul and Peter used this title, “Savior,” in evangelistic contexts. Their epistles were written to believers for the purpose of edification and growth in the Christian life. Jesus being the “Savior” was simply accepted and understood. Perhaps such a notion would find evidence in Paul’s statement to Timothy about his own testimony, “and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” 1 Timothy 1:14-15 (ESV). I leave you with this illustration.
A native of interior China wanted to become a Christian but couldn't understand how Christianity was superior to Confucianism and Buddhism. One morning he came to the missionary in a happy mood saying, "I dreamed last night, and now I understand. I dreamed I had fallen into a deep pit where I lay helpless and despairing. Confucius came and said, 'Let me give you advice, my friend; if you get out of your trouble, never get in again.' Buddha came and said, 'If you can climb up to where I can reach you, I will help you.' Then Christ came. He climbed down into the pit and carried me out." It takes the Savior of man to do that. Only a Savior would stoop so low as to save a sinful soul like yours and mine. (Bible Illustrations - Illustrations of Bible Truths)
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”