Hello, students! Welcome back to our Christian Religion Studies class. In our previous lesson, we learned about The promise of the Saviour – Emmanuel. Today, we are going to delve into the type of savior the Jews were expecting and compare it to the type of Savior Jesus was and is.
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Explain the difference between the expected savior and Jesus.
- Support your explanation with biblical references.
- Compare and contrast the characteristics of the expected savior and Jesus.
Type of Savior the Jews Were Expecting
The Jewish people, during the time of Jesus, had a clear vision of the kind of savior or Messiah they were anticipating. This expectation was deeply rooted in their understanding of Old Testament prophecies and their historical experiences.
A Political Leader
The Jews envisioned a savior who would be a powerful political leader. They believed he would liberate them from Roman rule and restore the kingdom of Israel to its former glory. In Acts 1:6, we see the disciples asking Jesus, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” This question reflects their expectation of a Messiah who would bring political freedom and national sovereignty.
A Military Conqueror
Many Jews imagined the Messiah as a military conqueror who would lead them into battle against their enemies. They expected him to be a warrior king like David, who would defeat their oppressors through might and strength.
A King on Earth
The Jews were looking for a king who would reign on earth, establishing a physical kingdom. They imagined this savior sitting on a throne in Jerusalem, ruling over a peaceful and prosperous nation.
So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?
Acts 1:6
The Savior Jesus Was and Is
In contrast to the Jewish expectations, Jesus came as a different kind of savior. Let’s explore how Jesus differed from the anticipated Messiah.
A Spiritual Leader
Jesus focused on the spiritual salvation of humanity rather than political liberation. He preached about the kingdom of God, which is not of this world. In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
A Suffering Servant
Unlike the military conqueror the Jews expected, Jesus came as a suffering servant. He willingly sacrificed Himself on the cross to save us from our sins. This was prophesied in Isaiah 53, which speaks of the Messiah as one who would bear our griefs and carry our sorrows.
A King in Heaven
Jesus is indeed a king, but His kingdom is heavenly. He reigns from heaven and will return one day to establish His eternal kingdom. His rule is marked by love, justice, and peace, extending beyond the physical realm into the hearts and lives of His followers.
Memory Verse
My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.
John 18:36
Comparing the Expected Savior and Jesus
To better understand the differences, let’s compare the expected savior with the true Savior, Jesus.
- Political vs. Spiritual Leadership The Jews wanted a political leader to overthrow Roman rule. Jesus, however, focused on spiritual leadership, teaching about repentance and the kingdom of God.
- Military Conqueror vs. Suffering Servant The expected savior was a military hero. Jesus came as a suffering servant, offering His life for the salvation of many.
- Earthly Kingdom vs. Heavenly Kingdom The Jews looked for an earthly kingdom. Jesus proclaimed a heavenly kingdom, where God’s will is done perfectly.
Importance of Understanding the True Savior
Understanding the true nature of Jesus as the Savior helps us appreciate His mission and message. It teaches us that God’s ways are higher than our ways and that His plans for salvation transcend human expectations.
Quiz & Evaluation
Let’s see how much you’ve learned, complete this quiz to test your knowledge.
Question 1: What type of savior were the Jews expecting?
