Who is?

Who's the savior?

This question invites controversy, arguments, mockery, blasphemy, hatred, and more questions for spiritual thinkers.

How could mere humans like you and me know who is the savior?

And savior for what, from what, and for whom?

Don't most religions and belief systems have a savior?

Some begin and end with deity: God, god, or gods.

Some believe that it's all within themselves: They are their own savior.

Salvation ranges from divine to human so that they experience something in this life that then carries them into the next.

Some are attracted to a certain religion or belief (or unbelief) system.

People have their reasons, don't they?

Some reject being a follower for the same or similar reasons.

Sometimes acceptance or rejection is based upon other peoples' examples, which includes those in one's family or culture.

When they're old enough, they choose.

They accept because they LIKE someone's teachings or actions that fit with their lifestyle.

They reject because they DISLIKE the doctrines or practices of that religion or belief.

STRANGE CHOICE FOR A SAVIOR

Consider a person called Jesus, born in Bethlehem in Israel.

It was a small town.

When King Herod heard this, he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had assembled all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.

"In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:

'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,

for out of you will come a ruler

who will be the shepherd of My people Israel.' " Matthew 2:6

He grew up in the city of Nazareth. Matthew 2:21-23

Nazareth had a bad reputation.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

"Can anything good come from Nazareth?" Nathanael asked.

"Come and see," said Philip. John 1:45-46

Jesus was a carpenter's son, Matthew 13:55 a regular laborer, until about the age of 30. Luke 3:23

Jesus and his mother had to face ridicule from the rumor that he was a bastard child, born out of wedlock. Matthew 1:18-23

STUMBLING STONE AND ROCK OF OFFENSE Romans 9:32-33

When Jesus began teaching, preaching, and healing, Matthew 4:23-25 many followed.

But controversy also started and continues today.

Jesus was accused of casting out evil spirits by the power of the devil. Mark 3:22

Even when Jesus healed a man born blind, John 9:1, 6-7 enemies said that this wasn't from God because it was done on the Sabbath Day of rest. John 9:13-16

But others said, "How can a sinful man perform such signs?"

And there was division among them. John 9:16

Some said that Jesus was a good man. John 7:12

Others believed that he was a deceiver. Matthew 27:63; John 7:12

Usually, large crowds followed Jesus. Matthew 8:1; 19:2; Mark 12:37

But officers were sent to arrest him. John 7:32

Then the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees [Jewish religious leaders], who asked them, "Why didn’t you bring Him in?"

"Never has anyone spoken like this man!" the officers answered. John 7:45-46

"Have you also been deceived?" replied the Pharisees.

"Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him?

But this crowd that does not know the law [of Moses], they are under a curse." John 7:47

If Jesus was the savior of the world as some who listened said, John 4:28-29, 39-42 did he say good words that humanity would like?

If you want to gain followers, don't you need to say nice things?

In other words, you don't want to offend people.

Did Jesus do this?

No, Jesus spoke what God the Father wanted John 12:48-50 even if it disturbed listeners. Matthew 13:54-57

Then the disciples came to Him and said, "Are You aware that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" Matthew 15:12

DOES THIS OFFEND YOU?

At that very hour Jesus healed many people of their diseases, afflictions, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind.

So He replied, "Go back and report to John [the Baptist] what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.

Blessed is the one who does not fall away [not offended] on account of Me." Luke 7:21-23

Jesus taught about how God the Father loved everyone. John 3:16

To believe in Jesus would give someone eternal life and avoid condemnation. John 3:16-17

THAT'S the positive message people want!

BUT then, in the next breath, Jesus said that if someone did NOT believe, they would be condemned. John 3:18-20

In Jesus' hometown of Nazareth, the message was also POSITIVE about preaching the good news to the poor, healing the brokenhearted, proclaiming deliverance to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, setting at liberty those that are bruised, and expressing the acceptable year of the Lord. Luke 4:18-19

Jesus received glowing feedback because of these gracious words. Luke 4:22

BUT THEN Jesus pointed out that NON-Jews received blessings from God the Father during the times of the prophets Elijah and Elisha, NOT the many Jewish widows and lepers [those with skin disease] there. Luke 4:25-27

Their praise turned into anger.

On hearing this, all the people in the synagogue were enraged. They got up, drove Him out of the town, and led Him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw Him over the cliff. Luke 4:28-29

Why does the whole truth from the Father rub us the wrong way?

We want the love and promise of John 3:16-17 but DISLIKE warnings about sin and sins. Mark 9:42-48

Again He said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come." John 8:21

Then He told them, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.

That is why I told you that you would die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins." John 8:23-24

THE WHOLE TRUTH

"And the Father Who sent Me has Himself testified about Me.

You have never heard His voice nor seen His form,

nor does His word abide in you, because you do not believe the One He sent." John 5:37-38

"You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life.

These are the very words that testify about Me, yet you refuse to come to Me to have life." John 5:39-40

"I do not accept glory from men, but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you." John 5:41-42

"How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" John 5:44

That's NOT how you get followers, is it, if one is truly the savior of the world?

Don't you want to say ONLY what an audience wants to hear? 2 Timothy 4:3-4

We desire to bask in how special we are, Luke 12:6-7 so loved, John 3:16-17; 17:26 accepted, John 16:26-27 cared for, Matthew 6:26-34 and blessed. Matthew 7:11; Luke 11:13

BUT Jesus preached the full message from the Father. John 12:50; 2 Timothy 4:2

Jesus told disciples, "The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me, because I testify that its works are evil." John 7:7

BELIEVE WHAT?

Shouldn't the savior of all accept that all beliefs are valid and true?

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." John 14:6

That's NOT how you win friends when you say that you are the ONLY WAY.

Shouldn't the savior of all accept that people are human and should NOT be expected to live differently?

"The time is fulfilled," Jesus said, "and the kingdom of God is near. Repent [change your hearts and lives] and believe in the gospel!" Mark 1:15

And He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and in His name repentance and forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem." Luke 24:46-47

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:48

"But to those of you who will listen, I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28

Jesus wanted people to be kind and merciful because God the Father was that way to the unthankful and the evil. Luke 6:35-36

Did that attract a crowd?

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Matthew 9:36

Did ALL of Jesus' sayings KEEP a crowd?

"Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me.

This is the bread that came down from heaven.

Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever." John 6:57-58

On hearing it, many of His disciples said, "This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?" John 6:60

From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. John 6:66

Jesus said, "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw everyone to Myself."

He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die. John 12:32-33

This would include that generation and those after that.

You and I are among those drawn.

Jesus was lifted up on a cross to die by Roman crucifixion. Mark 15:20; Luke 23:20-25

Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up His garments by casting lots. Luke 23:34

Where were the multitudes that followed Jesus who could have heard that request for their benefit?

They saw miracles performed on the diseased John 6:2 and ate food that was supernaturally supplied. John 6:8-13

Though not the multitudes, Jesus still had a large crowd that followed.

And many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to Him. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee's sons. Matthew 27:55-56

A great number of people followed Him, including women who kept mourning and wailing for Him. Luke 23:27

It has been this way for centuries.

Some believe Jesus' words and some don't. John 6:64; Acts 28:23-24

HONEST AND GOOD HEARTS Luke 8:15

Can we look at our lives and say with honesty, "I've examined the words of Jesus. I've heard this man in my heart. I know that Jesus is the savior of the world"?

Or have we read the words of the man who said,

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away" Mark 13:31

and decided that Jesus is NOT worthy to take the book of judgment and open the seals and receive worship in heaven, on earth, under the earth, and in the sea? Revelation 5:1-14

IF JESUS is the savior of the world and we accept it, maybe we can understand the following --

When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified and said, "Truly this was the Son of God." Matthew 27:54

IF JESUS is the savior from sin, my sin and yours, Luke 5:20; 7:48; 1 Peter 2:24-25 and accept it, maybe we can appreciate this scene --

One of the criminals who hung there heaped abuse on Him. "Are You not the Christ?" he said. "Save Yourself and us!"

But the other one rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment? We are punished justly, for we are receiving what our actions deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."

Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom!" Luke 23:39-42

IF JESUS is the world's savior, then salvation can come to each one personally.

And Jesus said to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." Luke 23:43

What a promise!

Jesus said that whoever comes to Him, He would NOT cast them away. John 6:37

ONE NAME?

When Jesus, the fullness of divine life in a body, Philippians 2:6-7; Colossians 2:9 becomes our savior, Titus 1:3-4; 3:4-7; 2 Peter 1:1 the following questions have ONE answer --

Who's the HEALER? Matthew 8:1-3, 14-17

"Lord, my servant lies at home, paralyzed and in terrible agony."

"I will go and heal him," Jesus replied. Matthew 8:6-7

Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.

The crowd was amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Matthew 15:30-31

Who's the DELIVERER from evil? Psalm 91:14-16; 103:4; Mark 5:2-20

When Jesus saw that a crowd had come running, He rebuked the unclean spirit.

"You deaf and mute spirit," He said, "I command you to come out and never enter him again." Mark 9:25

After shrieking and convulsing him violently, the spirit came out. The boy became like a corpse, so that many said, "He is dead."

But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. Mark 9:26-27

Who's the BAPTIZER with the Holy Spirit? John 1:32-34; Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-4; 10:44-47

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4

God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses.

Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:32-33

Who's COMING AGAIN in power and glory? Matthew 24:30

At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. Mark 13:26

Who ROSE from the DEAD? Matthew 28:1-6; John 20:24-28; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples.

Suddenly Jesus met them and said, "Greetings!"

They came to Him, grasped His feet, and worshiped Him.

"Do not be afraid," said Jesus.

"Go and tell My brothers to go to Galilee. There they will see Me." Matthew 28:8-10

"The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again.

No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again.

This charge I have received from My Father." John 10:17-18

Who's at God the Father's RIGHT HAND? Psalm 110:1; Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55-56

Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him. 1 Peter 3:22

Who's PLEADING OUR CASE for us? Romans 8:34

Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

Who's a FRIEND that sticks closer than a brother? Proverbs 18:24; Hebrews 13:5

"And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20

Who's the GOOD SHEPHERD? Psalm 23:1; Revelation 7:17

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." John 10:11

Who's the GREAT and CHIEF SHEPHERD? Hebrews 13:20;

And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

Who has the WORDS of ETERNAL LIFE? John 5:24

Simon Peter replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69

JESUS, the name above every name. Philippians 2:9-11

Your thoughts?

R. Jason