What does "He will save His people" reveal about Jesus' divine mission? Setting the Scene “ ‘She will give birth to a Son, and you shall give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.’ ” (Matthew 1:21) Key Words That Shape the Mission • “He will save” – Certainty: not “might,” but “will” – Personal agency: Jesus Himself does the saving (Isaiah 43:11) • “His people” – Covenant echo: God’s treasured possession (Exodus 19:5–6) – Expansive reach: first Israel, then “all who believe” (Romans 10:12–13) • “From their sins” – Core problem addressed: sin, not politics or economics (Romans 3:23) – Complete deliverance: guilt removed, power broken, future presence ended (Hebrews 9:26–28) Four Truths About Jesus’ Divine Mission 1. Salvation Is Rooted in His Name • “Jesus” (Greek Iēsous, Hebrew Yeshua) means “Yahweh saves.” • His very identity declares the rescue plan of God (Acts 4:12). 2. Salvation Is God’s Initiative • Announcement comes before Jesus’ birth—grace precedes human action (Ephesians 1:4–5). • No human merit prompted it; it flows from divine love (John 3:16). 3. Salvation Targets the Real Need—Sin • Sin alienates from God; Jesus reconciles (2 Corinthians 5:18–19). • By His sacrifice: “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” (1 Peter 2:24). • By His life: He breaks sin’s dominion and intercedes continually (Hebrews 7:25). 4. Salvation Creates a New People for God • “His people” are redeemed to belong to Him (Titus 2:14). • They become lights to the nations (Matthew 5:14–16). • The promise looks ahead to a global family praising the Lamb (Revelation 7:9–10). Old Testament Echoes Amplifying the Mission • Isaiah 53:5 – the Suffering Servant “pierced for our transgressions.” • Psalm 130:7–8 – “He will redeem Israel from all their iniquities.” • Jeremiah 31:31–34 – new covenant includes forgiveness of sins. New Testament Confirmations • Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” • 1 Timothy 1:15 – “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” • Hebrews 2:14–15 – He frees those enslaved by fear of death. • Ephesians 1:7 – “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” Implications for Daily Living • Confidence: Salvation rests on Jesus’ finished work, not shifting feelings. • Identity: Being “His people” shapes choices, values, and hope. • Mission: Joining Him in making this saving message known to others (2 Corinthians 5:20). |
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