www.bible.com/1713/mat.1.21.csb
From our perspective, Jesus has saved the world from sin, all those who would be saved. From Joseph’s perspective, Jesus will save, as he had not been born yet in this passage. But from Jesus’ perspective? Jesus has seen the entire narrative from beginning to end.
Consider that as God’s Second Person, Jesus has seen his entire story, his life as a man, play out from beginning to end. He knew what choices He would make before He made them. He had already seen Himself die on the cross, be buried, and be risen again. He knew this without any doubt while He was still in Heaven. He could have said that He has saved the world from the beginning. Since for Him his foreknowledge of time and space was a foregone conclusion.
However, what Jesus has not done was to actually carry it out. He knew Judas would betray Him and that Peter would deny Him, but He has not experienced how that would feel as a human being. That was new. And as much as His omniscience as God could prepare Him, He still begged His Father for another way in Gethsemane, if there might be another way to avoid the suffering of the cross. He knew there wasn’t and there had never been another way, but His human experience begged all the same.
Jesus knew from the day he was born when He would die. That knowledge is a terrible burden. Jesus is the “lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” He knew from the very beginning. But He still loves us enough to carry it out. Can you comprehend that kind of love?
May you feel God’s love for you this Christmas. All of this is for you. Merry Christmas.
Meritt Musings 