After what the woman had said about Jesus, the people of the city wanted to hear him themselves. So they asked him to stay - and he did. For two days Jesus was a guest of a city in Samaria. While he was there, he taught. What he taught is not recorded, but when those two days were over, the people of the city acknowledged, “Now we believe ... this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42).
Jesus, the Savior of the world. This was the song sung by the angelic choir on the night he was born. It was at the heart of the angel’s message to Joseph calming his concerns about Mary. This message flowed from every blood sacrifice offered in faith. It filled the pen of the prophets and it shines in the sermons of the apostles. Like a scarlet thread, it weaves its way throughout the pages of the Bible - from the slain lamb of Genesis to the victorious lamb of Revelation.
Jesus, the Savior of the world. Simply put, there is none like him. Like no one else, his life fulfilled prophecy. Born of a virgin, the Word became flesh. God lived and walked in human flesh. Tempted in every way that we are, yet he lived a sinless life. Led as a lamb to the slaughter, he willingly gave himself to die a painful and humiliating death. His lifeless body placed in a borrowed tomb, he conquered death being raised the third day never again to die. He has ascended to the right hand of the Father, where he reigns as king with all authority, yet he also serves with compassion as our mediator and High Priest.
Jesus, the Savior of the world. He provides the help we need for life, the hope we desire in death, and a home for all eternity. Trade your heavy burden of sin for his light and easy yoke. Rejoice in the hope that his forgiveness brings to your heart and life. Live for that day when he will return and take the faithful to heaven.
Jesus, the Savior of the world. O, what a Savior! Is he yours?
Thomas Larkin