December 5, 2024

“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:11, nrsv)

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A savior rescues another from a difficult situation. The Roman world had a savior who delivered it from decades of civil war—namely, Caesar Augustus. Luke mentions Augustus (Luke 2:1) but does not call him savior; rather, Luke reserves this title for the infant Jesus. This claim for Jesus is a challenge to the savior of that time. Jesus is the superior Savior.

First, Rome’s prosperity was limited. Many were left on the margins or outside. Life for shepherds changed little and remained hard. But Jesus is a universal savior. The Greek word translated “to you” enjoys a slight emphatic position. God’s salvation leaves no one out. Even humble shepherds are included. It is “to you” whom Jesus has come to save.

Second, the peace of Augustus was temporary. Over the years the Roman Empire disintegrated, leaving only ruins to testify to a lost glory. Jesus is an everlasting savior. The work of Christ does not rust, crumble, or pass away. It is forever.

Finally, physical peace is important, but it alone cannot satisfy the souls of humankind, which long for peace with their Creator. Jesus is a satisfying savior. Humanity is in a hopeless state of separation from God. Our souls long for eternal peace. It is only through Jesus that this can happen. Augustus’s main shortcoming was not the insufficiency of his deeds. He had no capability to do what is ultimately needed. He, like us, needed a savior. Thanks be to God that we have a Savior who can fully accomplish our salvation.

During this Christmas season, let us give thanks to God for sending us the gift of a universal, everlasting, and satisfying Savior who can restore humanity’s relationship with its Creator and provide real peace.

 

Dr. Joseph D. Fantin
Professor of New Testament Studies