Who Did Jesus Come to Save?
Today we will talk about who did Jesus come to save. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s a foundational question that helps us understand Jesus’ mission and purpose on earth. When we think about salvation, we often contemplate our own personal relationship with God and the eternal life He offers. But who specifically did Jesus have in mind when He extended this gift of salvation? As we navigate through this topic together, let’s open our hearts and minds to the teachings of Scripture. The words of the Bible give us clarity and insight into the heart of our Savior and His great love for us.
Jesus Came to Save the Lost
When we consider who Jesus came to save, one of the first groups we encounter in Scripture is the “lost.” This term carries a significant weight both in the Greek and Hebrew languages. In the New Testament, “lost” comes from the Greek word “apollumi” (ἀπόλλυμι), which translates to “to destroy” or “to perish.” Historically, this term was used to describe those who were separated from God or living without hope. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word “abad” (אָבַד) also means “to perish” or “to be lost,” and it describes the state of those who stray away from God’s laws and precepts.
Jesus emphasizes His mission to save the lost multiple times in the Gospels. In Luke 19:10, He explicitly states, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This powerful declaration clarifies that Jesus’ purpose was not only to seek out those who have wandered away from faith but also to restore and redeem them.
Further, in Matthew 9:12-13, we see Jesus asserting, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” This shows us that Jesus is not merely looking for the righteous or the seemingly perfect; He is attentive to the broken, the hurting, and those who recognize their need for Him.
The parable of the lost sheep found in Luke 15:4-7 illustrates this beautifully. The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, highlighting God’s heart for every individual. This message resonates throughout Jesus’ ministry where He interacts with tax collectors, sinners, and outcasts. He welcomes them and offers them hope in a society that often rejected them.
Through these Scriptures, it’s evident that Jesus came to rescue those lost in sin and despair. He stands ready to embrace each one who is willing to come to Him, demonstrating love and grace that overflows to those who feel unworthy or abandoned.
Jesus Came to Save Sinners
Another significant group that Jesus came to save is sinners. Throughout the Bible, the label “sinner” is used to describe humanity’s fallen nature. We all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), and it’s important to understand that Jesus’ mission encompasses every single one of us. The Greek word used in the New Testament for “sinner” is “hamartolos” (ἁμαρτωλός) which denotes someone who misses the mark.
From the very beginning, Jesus’ intention was clear: He did not shy away from those burdened by sin but instead reached out to them with open arms. In Matthew 1:21, an angel tells Joseph, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” This proclamation marks the significance of Jesus’ purpose – to save people from their sinful state.
Throughout the Gospels, we see numerous accounts of Jesus engaging with sinners. Take, for example, the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11). When the religious leaders brought her before Jesus, they sought to condemn her. Jesus responded with grace, calling her to leave her life of sin instead of condemning her. In this, we see His compassion and His mission to offer redemption rather than judgment.
Moreover, in Luke 5:32, Jesus states, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Here, Jesus highlights the need for repentance, which means to turn away from sin and turn back toward God. It’s through repentance that we can experience true salvation.
Understanding that Jesus came for sinners reassures us that no one is too far gone for redemption. It’s a reminder that we are all offered a second chance, regardless of our past or present shortcomings. This reveals the depth of His love and His desire to see us restored in our relationship with God.
Jesus Came to Save All Nations
In addition to the lost and sinners, Jesus came to offer salvation to all nations. This expansive love speaks to the inclusivity of the Gospel message wherein Jesus breaks down barriers that divide humanity. The Greek word “ethnos” (ἔθνος) translates to “people” or “nations,” indicating that Jesus’ mission transcends cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences.
From the beginning, God’s plan for salvation was not limited to a specific group. In the Old Testament, we can see hints of this broader mission. Isaiah 49:6 says, “I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” The prophet Isaiah was declaring that God’s plan would encompass not just Israel but all nations.
This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus walked the earth. In Matthew 28:19-20, known as the Great Commission, Jesus instructs His disciples, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This command highlights the necessity of spreading the Gospel message worldwide, emphasizing that salvation is available to anyone who believes, regardless of their background.
In John 3:16, we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This powerful verse proclaims God’s love for the entire world and the invitation extended to all to accept Jesus and the salvation He offers.
Additionally, in Revelation 7:9-10, we get a glimpse of the vision of heaven, where individuals from every tribe, nation, and people stand before the throne of God in worship. This serves as a beautiful reminder that the message of salvation through Jesus is universal, and it’s a call to believers to actively participate in sharing that love with every person they encounter.
In summary, Jesus came to save all nations, providing redemption for every soul that turns to Him. His love knows no borders, and His heart is for everyone, ensuring that His grace is available to any and all who seek Him sincerely.
Jesus Came to Save the Oppressed
As we further consider who Jesus came to save, we must also look at the oppressed. Throughout Scripture, we find Jesus reaching out to those who are marginalized, suffering, or experiencing injustice. The Hebrew word “anav” (עָנָי) conveys the idea of those who are humble or afflicted, while the Greek word “thlipsis” (θλίψις) translates to “pressure” or “trouble.” These terms encompass both physical and spiritual oppression, portraying the struggles that many face.
In Luke 4:18, Jesus quotes Isaiah, stating, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” Here, Jesus outlines His ministry to those burdened by various forms of oppression. He engaged with the poor, the marginalized, and those trapped in a cycle of despair, demonstrating God’s compassion for the hurting.
In Matthew 11:28, Jesus offers an important invitation: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” This powerful statement reassures those who strive under the weight of their troubles that they can find peace in Him.
Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 emphasizes that God is “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.” We can share in this comfort and extend it to others as Jesus did, providing hope and healing to those who feel oppressed in our world today.
Moreover, the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-10 remind us of God’s heart for the oppressed. When Jesus declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” and “Blessed are those who mourn,” He points to the value of humility and acknowledges the struggles that people face. He assures them of comfort and inheritance in God’s kingdom.
In conclusion, Jesus came for the oppressed – the broken-hearted and those suffering from injustice. He extends His hand, inviting them into a loving relationship where they can find hope, healing, and restoration.
Jesus Came to Save the Entire Creation
Lastly, we must consider that Jesus came not just for individuals or specific groups but for the entirety of creation. In Colossians 1:20, we read that through Jesus, God reconciled to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood shed on the cross. This shows that Jesus’ redemptive work was not limited to humans alone; it encompasses the restoration of the entire creation, affected by sin and brokenness.
In Genesis 3, we see the introduction of sin into the world, which led to a curse on creation itself (Genesis 3:17-19). Because of this, nature became subject to decay and corruption. Yet, in Romans 8:20-21, Paul explains that “the creation was subjected to frustration,” and “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”
Through Jesus, there is hope for creation’s restoration. In Revelation 21:5, it states, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’” It offers a beautiful vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people and wipe away every tear.
Jesus came to save not just humanity but to redeem all that was lost, ensuring that one day the earth will be made new again. His mission is complete and all-encompassing, affirming that everything created has inherent value and a purpose in God’s plan.
When viewing creation through the lens of salvation, we are called to care for the environment, stand against injustice, and protect the vulnerable. We acknowledge that the message of the Gospel empowers us to advocate for the welfare of all living beings and the earth itself.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on who Jesus came to save, it becomes clear that His mission is vast and profound. He came to save the lost, the sinners, the oppressed, and all nations. Each of us has a place in His narrative and is invited to embrace His grace and mercy. It’s important for us to remember that Jesus’ love transcends our flaws and failures. No one is excluded from the opportunity for redemption. We are all called to be messengers of this incredibly good news.
As believers, it’s our privilege to share this message with others, remembering the importance of love, compassion, and outreach to those around us. Each person we encounter is valuable to God, and we have the chance to reflect His love to those in need. So, let us be diligent and mindful in our actions and attitudes, embracing the call to share His salvation with the world.
In closing, let us rejoice in the incredible gift of salvation available through Jesus Christ – a gift offered to each of us, no matter our background, past, or present circumstance. We are all part of His story, resonating with hope, redemption, and love.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4