Jesus is our saviour — not an expletive

and demonstrated pricked the consciences of all who heard him.

Yeshua’s mission was way beyond mere national deliverance from a foreign power, much as his fellow Jews longed for it. Even before birth His name was purposely given for its meaning as Saviour (literally, God saves). The reason was clearly stated: “He will save his people from their sins;” (Matthew 1:21). Fulfilling prophecy, he would also be called Immanuel, “God with us”.

Incredible as it seems, the underlying longing of the ages to reach God, find reconciliation with their Creator, to end their alienation, was now about to be enacted here on Earth.

Only in this context does Jesus’ willing but agonising death on a Roman cross make any sense. Provided of course we accept His claims to be both Son of God and Son of man.

Had He denied this he could have avoided such a ghastly fate for a man in the prime of his life. The miracles had made him popular but would never in themselves have attracted the death penalty. Yet he headed to Jerusalem fully knowing what would befall him there.

Why? His own words at the Last Supper uncover the reason: “This is my body . . . this is my blood . . . poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.

This bold claim was validated by his resurrection. Had Jesus not risen again, any devotion toward him would have remained a local affair with no power or momentum to change anyone, let alone nations and empires.

Even proud Rome itself. We can praise God we don’t have to wait till Easter Sunday to worship a risen Saviour. Nor wait to receive forgiveness; and access His salvation for every need in our own lives! He’s my Saviour. And yours!