The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

SAVIOR, MESSIAH, LORD

The three titles “Savior,” “Messiah” and “Lord” summarize the work of Christ to save. What God was called in 1:47 (“Savior”), Jesus is called here. This description includes the related meanings of deliverer, protector or preserver. The word “Messiah” means “anointed one,” referring to Jesus’ royal position, the One who was promised and long expected. The word “Lord” is the title of a ruler. The use of “Lord” throughout the New Testament is also significant because, out of reverence for God’s covenant name, the Greek word for “Lord” stood in place of Yahweh in the Greek translation of the Old Testament.

Peter elaborated on the meaning of these words in Acts 2:30 – 36 where Jesus is pictured as sitting on a throne and distributing the gift of salvation from God’s side, ruling with the Father. In this way, Peter connected Jesus with God’s promises to give David an everlasting kingdom. To refer to Jesus as a good man or a good teacher falls immeasurably short of reality. Jesus came to save people from their sin, as promised. He came to minister, to suffer and die, to rise again, and rule and reign forever as Lord. This was the outworking of God’s grand plan, what the writer of Hebrews would call “so great a salvation” (Heb 2:3).

Jesus, I could never have saved myself. You are my royal deliverer, and I want you to be Lord of my life. Amen.