WHAT A SAVIOUR (EVERLASTING FATHER) – TES JAHNIG
Scriptures:
Isaiah 9:2-7 NIV
Acts 2:36 NIV
Romans 1:16 NIV
Ephesians 2:8-9 AMP
Points:
1. He’s not just any Saviour
2. That’s Passion
3. Get off the Ladder
The Big Idea: What He gives, He will not take away.
In this powerful message, we’re reminded of the incomparable nature of Jesus as our Saviour. Drawing from Isaiah 9, we explore the prophetic promise of a Messiah, given 700 years before Christ’s birth. This passage paints a vivid picture of Jesus as the ‘Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.’ We’re challenged to see Jesus not just as another hero or Saviour, but as THE Saviour, uniquely chosen and empowered by God. Our belief or unbelief doesn’t change who Jesus is – He remains the Saviour regardless of our feelings or actions. This truth invites us to step off the metaphorical ladder of religious effort and embrace the grace freely given through Christ’s sacrifice. As we approach Christmas, we reflect on the profound implications of having a Saviour whose passion for us led Him to climb down to our level, live among us, and ultimately give His life for our salvation.
What a Saviour:
In a world filled with superheroes and larger-than-life figures, it’s easy to lose sight of the one true Saviour who stands above them all. As we approach the Christmas season, we reflect on the profound truth found in Isaiah 9:2-7 – a prophecy given 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
The passage speaks of a light dawning in the darkness, a child born to us, a son given. This isn’t just any Saviour; this is the Saviour. The one called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The one whose government and peace will have no end. But what sets this Saviour apart? What makes Him truly unique?
First and foremost, Jesus is not just any Saviour – He is the Saviour. Designated by God Himself, Jesus fulfills the role of Messiah, the anointed one, consecrated and set apart for a specific purpose. Acts 2:36 declares, “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” This isn’t a title we bestow upon Him; it’s an identity established by God the Father.
It’s crucial to understand that we don’t get to negotiate Jesus’ role as Messiah. Our belief or unbelief doesn’t alter His purpose or identity. He remains the Saviour regardless of our feelings or actions. This truth is liberating – we don’t have to earn our salvation or constantly prove ourselves worthy. Jesus chose us, and what He gives, He will not take away.
For those who find themselves constantly trying to reason everything out, remember that the gospel isn’t meant to make perfect logical sense. It’s too grand, too magnificent for our limited human understanding. Don’t let your need for complete comprehension hold you back from embracing the loving arms of the Father. Faith often precedes full understanding.
The second distinguishing factor of our Saviour is His passion. Not passion in the modern sense of enthusiasm or excitement, but passion rooted in its original meaning – to suffer. Jesus’ passion is evident in His willingness to endure unimaginable suffering for our sake. From His humble birth to His sacrificial death, every aspect of Jesus’ life demonstrates a love so profound that He considered no price too high to pay for our redemption.
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see a Saviour who cared more about our salvation than His own comfort. He faced rejection, pain, and ultimate sacrifice – all with us in mind. This is true passion. It’s a love that goes beyond feelings to action, a commitment that perseveres through the darkest moments for the sake of those beloved.
The power of this passion is encapsulated in the gospel – the good news that brings salvation to all who believe. As Romans 1:16 states, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” This is the heart of Christianity, setting it apart from all other religions.
While other belief systems often portray humanity climbing a metaphorical ladder to reach a distant deity, Christianity presents a radically different picture. Our God, seeing our inability to reach Him, came down to us. The incarnation – God becoming flesh in the person of Jesus Christ – is the ultimate expression of this truth. Emmanuel, God with us, lived among us, showing us how to truly live, love, and even face death.
This brings us to the third crucial point: we need to get off the ladder. We can stop trying to earn our way to God through good deeds, religious observances, or moral perfection. The beautiful truth of the gospel is that Jesus has already done the climbing for us. He lived the perfect life we could never live, died the death we deserved, and rose again victorious over sin and death.
In theological terms, this is known as imputation. Our sin – past, present, and future – was imputed (or credited) to Jesus on the cross. He took it all, buried it in the grave, and left it there when He rose again. In exchange, He imputes His own righteousness to us, giving us the right to be called children of God. This isn’t earned; it’s freely given to all who believe.
Ephesians 2:8-9 beautifully summarizes this truth: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Salvation is God’s gracious gift, not a reward for our efforts.
As we enter this Christmas season, let’s remember that the baby in the manger is so much more than a nativity scene figure. He is the Saviour of the world, the one who passionately pursued us, climbed down to our level, and offers us a salvation we could never earn on our own.
This Christmas, take time to reflect on the magnitude of what Jesus has done. Open your Bible to passages like Isaiah 9 or Ephesians 2 and let the truth sink deep into your heart. Remember that no matter how dark your circumstances may seem, the light has dawned. No matter how far you feel from God, He has come near to you.
You don’t need a superhero in a cape to save you. Your family can’t rescue you, and no human being, no matter how wise or powerful, can offer true salvation. Only Jesus, given authority by the Father Himself, has the power to save your soul. The invitation is simple: choose to believe. You don’t need all the answers or to have everything in your life perfectly in order. Simply step off the ladder of self-effort and into the arms of a Saviour whose love for you knows no bounds.
What a Saviour we have in Jesus! He gives freely, loves unconditionally, and promises never to take back the salvation He offers. This Christmas, may we all experience anew the wonder of His grace, the power of His passion, and the joy of being called children of God.
Discussion Questions
- How does the concept of Jesus as ‘not just any Saviour’ challenge our understanding of salvation and redemption?
- In what ways might our intellectual pursuit of understanding sometimes hinder our faith, and how can we balance reason with spiritual instinct?
- How does the true meaning of ‘passion’ as suffering for a cause reshape our view of Jesus’ sacrifice and our own commitment to faith?
- What are some ways we might be unconsciously trying to ‘climb the ladder’ to reach God, and how can we embrace the idea that He has already come down to us?
- How does the concept of ‘imputation’ – our sin being placed on Jesus and His righteousness on us – impact our understanding of grace and forgiveness?
- In what ways might we be tempted to take credit for our own salvation, and how can we cultivate a deeper appreciation for God’s unmerited grace?
- How can we apply the idea of ‘getting off the ladder’ to our daily lives and relationships with others?
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is described as ‘Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ in Isaiah 9?
- How might reflecting on Jesus’ role as the prophesied Messiah change our approach to reading and understanding the Old Testament?
- In what ways can we cultivate a sense of continual gratitude for salvation?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, our Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. In this season, we stand in awe of the passion and sacrifice of Jesus, who stepped down into our brokenness to bring light into our darkness. What a Saviour He is—unmatched in love, unshaken in purpose, and unwavering in grace. Help us to step off the ladders of our striving and rest in the sufficiency of Your gift. May our hearts overflow with gratitude for the salvation You give freely and never take away. Let us live in the fullness of this truth, reflecting Your love and grace to the world around us.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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