On This Sunday… we continue to focus our hearts and attention on Christmas and the Christmas season. We again seek to help keep our minds focused on Jesus’ birth this year. We have already considered recently the fact that Christmas is about Jesus. In fact, we highlighted and celebrated that Jesus Cares. Today, we consider the next thought about Jesus as we continue preparing for Christmas.
GOOD NEWS – JESUS SAVES!
As you celebrate Christmas this year by celebrating Jesus Christ our Savior, consider also that Jesus’ story includes more than just His birth and manger. Jesus came with a specific purpose — with you in mind, even. John writes, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (3:17). Jesus was born that night in Bethlehem as part of God’s plan to save you and anyone else who puts faith in Him.
Nicodemus and Salvation
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, comes to Jesus by night to ask some questions regarding what Jesus believed. Jesus initially tells him that he must be born again. However, Nicodemus does not understand what Jesus is saying. Jesus graciously explains that Nicodemus’ problem — and the problem of all those who do not enjoy a relationship with God in Christ — is that he does not believe. In reference to the cross, Jesus says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:14-15). The key to Jesus’ statement is that one must believe in him, that is, in Jesus for eternal life. It is Jesus, the one born in a manger, the one whose birth we celebrate, it is He that brings salvation to people.
It is Jesus, the one born in a manger, the one whose birth we celebrate, it is He that brings salvation to people. Click To TweetJesus loves ~ that is why He came
John reminds us of the greatest gift ever given — God’s only begotten Son (John 3:16). God, in unequalled, unparalleled, and undeserved love, chose to send His Son to earth to allow for the salvation of mankind. John makes it clear how incredible this truly is and how worthy of our consideration and celebration He is — God loves the world and makes salvation possible for them. It is this same world that hates Jesus, rejects him, and ridicules him. It is to this world that God offers eternal life to anyone and everyone who believes: “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17).
Jesus Came to Save
This Christmas season, strive to not lose the big idea of our celebration — Jesus saves! Jesus came as light into a dark world that loves darkness (3:19-21). Frustration is easy for the believer in Christ when the world focuses its attention on Santa, decorations, gift giving, and the holiday season without reference to Christ. Instead of frustration, we can allow the lack of attention on Christ to help sharpen our focus on the need of the world to be saved. When the lines are long and the parking lots are crammed, take advantage of those moments to be reminded of how deep, wide, and great God’s love is for us; then, look around in mercy recognizing the great need of those around us of the person and work we celebrate — Jesus saves!
Image Credit Rodion Kutsaev
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