Understanding the Divine Relationship: Jesus as Savior and Lord

Through the Word of God, specifically the Book of John and other scriptures, we can gain profound insights into the nature and role of Jesus Christ as both Lord and Savior.

The Role of Jesus as Lord

According to the Bible, Jesus is not merely a messiah or a savior; he is God the Son, existing from eternity with God the Father. This relationship is clearly stated in the first chapter of John:

‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ (John 1:1-5)

This passage indicates that Jesus is God the Son, equal to and existing with God the Father from the beginning.

The Encounter with Jesus

Moses, a key figure in the Old Testament, was granted the privilege of seeing God's representation in a symbolic form before the physical embodiment of Jesus. In the Old Testament, Moses asked to see God, and God replied:

‘The Lord said to Moses, ‘Do not be so eager to reveal yourself to the people of Israel, or they will believe that both of us have brought them out of Egypt to destroy them. Do not let them get the wrong idea and revert to their officers and say, ‘The Lord our God has brought us out to lead us to a place with milk and honey, but has sent us to die in the desert!’ We might become afraid of the people and disbelieve what the Lord has said.’ So Moses told the Lord, ‘Now, if I have found favor in your sight, let me know your ways so that I may understand you and continue to find favor in your sight. And do teach me to know what is in your heart. Teach me also how to act with wisdom and to discern between right and wrong. I hope that I may be able to serve the Lord my God and to walk in obedience to him, for I know that the Lord is a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and rich in love and faithfulness. As for me, I pray that he will pardon our sins and be loyal to us and so that we may be rescued from all the powers of our enemies. Do this so that we may not be destroyed, but that we will be your inheritance, as you have promised us on the occasion of your people Israel coming out of the land of Egypt! The Lord replied to Moses, ‘I will do whatever I choose. You can see my back, but you cannot see my face at all. So he said, ‘You have seen enough of my power and greatness, so you can go back to Egypt now!’’ (Exodus 33:13-23)

Jesus' role as the Lord is further emphasized by his encounter with Saul on the road to Damascus, as described in the Bible:

‘Saul, why do you persecute me?’ he said. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Now get up and stand on your feet. I am sending you to the Gentiles and to the kings and to the sons of Israel so that I can send the light of the knowledge of my salvation to the people of the Gentiles and the kings and the sons of Israel, (Acts 9:5-15)

This encounter highlights Jesus' authority and his chosen purpose of spreading the message of salvation to all peoples.

Jesus as the Messiah and Savior

The Bible predicts that God's Word will not return void, as seen in Jesus' mission:

‘And as it is written: ‘The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, that is, the word of faith we proclaim’ (Romans 10:8)

Jesus, as the Messiah and savior, came to fulfill the desires of his Father. This is further emphasized by the promise of the Holy Spirit:

‘For I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth… It is from God… I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever. The Spirit of truth, (John 14:16-17)

This passage underscores the role of the Holy Spirit as an advocate for believers, underscoring the unity of the Godhead in their mission.

Jesus as Emmanuel

Jesus is also referred to as Emmanuel, which means 'God with us,' and he is both the savior and the revealer of God's nature:

‘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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. (John 3:16-17)

This statement emphasizes Jesus' role as the savior, offering eternal life to all who believe in him.

The Historical and Supernatural Encounter

The encounter described by Joseph in Job's narrative is another powerful example of the manifestation of the Lord Jesus:

‘And the LORD said to the one who was speaking to me, ‘I am the God of your father and the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. ’Now fear not’ (Job 33:6-12)

Jesus is also seen as a supernatural presence, especially in the events surrounding the baptism of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew:

‘As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’ (Matthew 3:16-17)

These passages indicate that Jesus, as the Son of God, was an embodiment of God’s glory and power.

The Sacrifice on the Cross

The sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is a pivotal moment in history, underscoring his role as both the savior and the Lord:

‘For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all… (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

Jesus, as the Lord and Savior, represented humanity in his sacrifice, bridging the gap between them and God.

In conclusion, Jesus Christ is both the Lord and the Savior, embodying the fullness of divinity and humanity. Understanding this relationship is essential for grasping the profound truths of the Christian faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Jesus is the Lord?

Jesus, as the Lord, is co-eternal with God the Father, meaning he has existed from the beginning of time. He is part of the Godhead and is considered divine.

How does Jesus serve as a savior?

Jesus serves as a savior by offering redemption to humanity through his sacrifice on the cross, providing forgiveness of sins and eternal life to those who believe in him.

What role does Jesus play as Emanuel?

Jesus, as Emanuel, meaning 'God with us,' represents the presence of God in human form, fulfilling the promise that God would reside among humanity.