Anchor My Faith

Savior, Christ, and Lord

Scripture: Luke 2:11

What was this good news of great joy brought by the angel that is to be for all people? The angel continues to speak and says: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 ESV). The angel, who some think is Gabriel since he has been involved in this work lately, came to announce the birth of their Savior. The angel said the child was born this day, which doesn’t mean that Jesus was born in the daytime, but refers to a twenty-four-hour day. We don’t know whether Jesus was born during the day or during the night, but tradition holds it was at night. He was born in the city of David, which was Bethlehem.

The angel uses three titles to describe Jesus: Savior, Christ and Lord. A savior is one who saves one from danger or destruction. Because of our sin we are guilty and deserve eternal death according to the Law. Jesus came to die in our place, thus delivering us from the enemy of death, setting us free and providing us with eternal life, forgiveness of sin, and peace with God.

What does the word “Christ” mean? It is not the last name of Jesus as some might think. The word “Christ” comes from the Greek word Christos and means anointed or chosen one, which is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew “Messiah.” The angel Gabriel gave instructions that Mary’s baby was to be named Jesus and Christ was his title. “Jesus Christ” means “Jesus the Messiah” or “Jesus the Anointed or chosen One.”

In reference to Jesus, what does Lord mean? In general, Lord refers to someone with authority, control, or power over others. At the time of Jesus, the word lord was often to as a title of respect toward authorities. An illustration of this is found in Matthew 8:2 (ESV): “And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.”” The leper was showing Jesus respect as a healer and teacher. But with Thomas came a change in its meaning and usage. In John 20:28 (ESV): “Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!”” Here the connection was drawn between Lord and God in relationship to Jesus. From then on the meaning of Jesus is Lord was Jesus is God. Saying that Jesus is Lord, implies obedience to him as our God as he has complete authority over our lives.

This announcement by the angel was astonishing and probably was not understood that this Messiah who had been born as a baby was also the Lord God himself. This piece of information was not just for the shepherds, but is for us to ponder over as we continue on our journey through the gospels.

Prayer

Father, such an astonishing announcement to make and it was made by an angel one night to humble shepherds watching over their sheep. Three titles for Jesus were given, which we will encounter again and again in our study. Father, thank you for this journey through the gospels that brings together a beautiful unfolding of the plan of salvation through the person of Jesus, your only Son. What a journey this is becoming!