When it comes to Christmas, we have a lot of ways that we wish Jesus would help. But what did Jesus really come to save us from? The answer may surprise you.
When the angel approached Joseph to tell him of God’s plans, he explained why Jesus was on his way.
She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
Did you catch it? Jesus came to save us from our sins.
We may want saving from personal circumstances or political drama or social unrest or unfair injustice or disappointing finances or deteriorating health, and while he can address every single one of those things, he came for something more serious.
Jesus came to save us from our greatest enemy – ourselves.
When we sin, we choose to listen to ourselves over God. Sin deserves punishment. We cannot avoid it.
But Jesus came to take our place. He invaded earth to save us from our sins.
I’m all for Jesus saving me from the sins of others, but I don’t want Him to meddle in my own decisions. Yet, that is why He came.
I realize that I often get frustrated with Jesus because He isn’t doing the things I want Him to do. I want Him to address my circumstances, yet He has come to deal with my transgressions.
What did Jesus really come to save me from? Myself. My sin. My ways.
And I will be forever grateful to Him for the rescue mission that started in a manger.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
