“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.” (Matthew 1:21, NIV)
In Matthew 1:21, an angel instructed Joseph to name Mary’s son 'Jesus' “because he will save his people from their sins.”
One must ask several questions: Did the Jews know that their greatest need was salvation from their self-centered interests? Did they realize what had gotten them into their present mess or why they were enslaved under the cruel rule of Rome?
They were certainly looking for a Messiah, a deliverer, but not from their own sin. No, they were looking for a political savior who would restore them to their former glory under King David, one who would wipe out the Romans and give them back their land, their freedom, and their greatness. They wanted a Messiah on their terms. But Jesus would go to the root of their problems via a cross.
As a servant leader, he would serve their best interests whether they knew it or not, because that’s what servant leaders do. They don’t lead to what people want but rather serve to bring about what they desperately need.
Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!
