The Need Of A Savior

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Play the video “We Still Need A Savior.”

INTRODUCTION: Christmas is the time when we celebrate the coming of Christ—the miraculous birth of God’s Son into the world. Behind the joy and celebration lies the profound truth that this child, born in a manger under humble circumstances, is the Savior we desperately needed. Why do we need a Savior? What is it about humanity that makes this divine intervention necessary?

We will explore this question today by intertwining the Christmas story, the prophecies of Isaiah, and the words of the Gospels. Together, they paint a vivid picture of humanity’s need for a Savior and God’s response through Jesus Christ.

1. THE HUMAN CONDITION (Isaiah 59:2)

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”

Long before the arrival of Jesus, Isaiah captured the condition of humanity—a people alienated from God because of sin. This separation began in Genesis when Adam and Eve disobeyed God—a rebellion that introduced sin into the world and fractured our perfect relationship with Him.

Sin isn’t just something “other people” struggle with—it’s a universal problem. Romans 3:23 echoes the prophetic truth: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." We see its evidence all around us: wars, broken families, injustice, and the ache in our own hearts for something more.

Isaiah 53:6 says, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way." This is the human condition: lost, wandering, and unable to save ourselves.

The Question We Must Ask: Without a rescuer, without a Savior, how can we ever restore what has been broken?

2. THE PROMISE OF A SAVIOR (Isaiah 7:14)

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."

In the midst of Israel’s struggles and their turning away from God, Isaiah prophesied the coming of Immanuel—"God with us." This wasn’t an abstract promise. It was God’s assurance that He would intervene personally to rescue humanity.

The promise of a Savior wasn’t simply a solution to Israel’s problems of oppression at the time. It was a promise for all humanity—that God would send us One who would bring peace, justice, and restoration.

Fast forward to Bethlehem, where this promise found its fulfillment in the most surprising way. Luke 2 tells us that Christ was born in a stable, laid in a manger—not as a conquering king but as a quietly humble Savior.

Fulfillment in the Christmas Story

Centuries later, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and declared the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: "Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

The name “Jesus” means “The Lord saves.” His very name points to His purpose: He was born to save us from our sins and restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden.

This is why Christmas is such good news: humanity’s Savior has come, not in power or fury, but as a baby—humble, gentle, approachable, and full of grace.

3. THE PROVISION OF A SAVIOR (Luke 2:11)

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."

As the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds, hope was born in the form of a child. The Savior had come at last! So, what makes His coming unique? What sets Jesus apart from other figures in history who sought to save or lead humanity?

• Jesus Came to Save Us From Sin

Matthew 1:21 records the angel's words to Joseph: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Unlike earthly kings who freed nations from oppression, Jesus addresses the deeper problem: the sin that separates us from God. His mission wasn’t political—it was spiritual, cosmic, and eternal.

• Jesus Is Our Perfect Substitute

The Gospel of John reminds us, "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). Jesus was born not just to live among us but to die for us, bearing the punishment we deserved. He willingly became the sacrifice that Isaiah foretold in Isaiah 53:5: "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."

• Jesus Is God With Us

The manger was not only the birth of a human child; it was the incarnation of God Himself. As both fully God and fully man, Jesus bridged the gap between us and the Father. The Savior didn’t just come to rescue us from sin—He came to restore us to communion with God.