Jesus as Savior: Day 2

DAY 2: Born a Savior

When Mary was pregnant with baby Jesus, an angel appeared to her and said, “You are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21).” After Jesus’ birth, an angel appeared to a group of shepherds and said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord (Luke 2:11).” 

These two passages, as well as many others, reveal that all people (1) need saved (or rescued) from our sins, and (2) Jesus is the One who can rescue us.

After Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, many others continued to recognize Him as a Savior. If you were to read through the entire New Testament you would see that Jesus was born a Savior, lived a life in which He regularly rescued people who would have been seen as “outsiders” to the religious elite, and continued to be identified as a Savior for years after HIs life and ministry. Nearly 2,000 years later, billions of people around the world recognize Jesus as Lord and Savior. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MATTHEW 1:21, LUKE 2:11, ACTS 13:23, PHILIPPIANS 3:20, MARK 2:13-17

Re-read Mark 2:13-17. Imagine you were living in ancient Israel around 30 AD. Would you be more likely to (1) find yourself at dinner with Jesus, (2) be one of Jesus’ disciples but not have an answer as to why He was eating with “sinners”, or (3) frustrated with Jesus for spending time with thieves and prostitutes? 

What sticks out most to you from this passage? How can you demonstrate the love of Christ in a significant way this week? 

PRAYER:

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (See Psalm 139: 23-24)

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: 1 Samuel 3 & 8

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5