January 4, 2026
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TEXT: Luke 2:22-32
TOPIC: Jesus is Savior
SERMON SUMMARY:
Jesus Our Savior: The Name That Changes Everything
Today we concluded our Advent and Christmas series on the names of Jesus by exploring perhaps His simplest yet most wonderful title: Savior. When the angel appeared to Joseph, he declared that Mary's child would be named Jesus—Yeshua in Hebrew—which means "salvation of the Lord," because He would save His people from their sins.
Our culture may not use the word "sin" much anymore, but we all know something is profoundly wrong with our world. Whether we see it in politics, social systems, or our own hearts, we recognize brokenness everywhere. As Solzhenitsyn wrote, "The line between good and evil runs through every human heart." No political leader, no human effort—no matter how noble—can save us. Even our best attempts at doing good create unintended harm.
The scope of sin is staggering. From Genesis 3 onward, we see how the curse touches everything: our relationships, our bodies, the very ground beneath our feet. The hymn says it perfectly: "No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground. He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found."
That's why God sent Jesus. The Greek word for salvation, sōzō, appears throughout the New Testament describing physical healing, spiritual deliverance, resurrection from death, and divine protection. Salvation is God's total provision for every human need.
But here's the key: salvation isn't just receiving good things from God. Salvation is a person—Jesus Himself. When Simeon held the infant Jesus, he said, "My eyes have seen your salvation." Salvation visited Zacchaeus's house in the person of Jesus. We must know Him and be known by Him to receive all He offers.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
How have you experienced or witnessed the reality that even well-intentioned human efforts to "save" or fix things can create new problems? What does this reveal about our need for divine salvation?
The sermon describes salvation (sōzō) as encompassing physical healing, spiritual freedom, resurrection, and protection—not just forgiveness of sins. Which aspect of salvation do you most need to experience more fully in your life right now?
What does it mean practically that salvation is found in a person (Jesus) rather than just in receiving blessings from God? How does this shape the way you approach your relationship with Him?
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for sending Jesus as our Savior, the one who brings salvation as far as the curse is found. Help us to see the full scope of what You've done—not just forgiving our sins, but healing our bodies, freeing our spirits, and restoring our purpose. May we receive salvation not as a concept or a list of benefits, but as a living relationship with Jesus Himself. Draw us closer to You, that we might know You and be known by You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Duisberg serves as an Assisting Priest and Parish Administrator at St. Luke's Anglican Church in Montrose, CA. Ordained in 2014, she has assisted churches in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and C4SO as well as the Diocese of Western Anglicans, her current home. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Divinity, and a Ph.D. in Practical Theology with a focus on the intersection of attachment theory and adaptive leadership. While she loves serving specific congregations, her greatest joy comes from offering Immanuel Prayer Ministry and training others to do so. She also loves hiking along a mountain stream, reading a good novel, and laughing with her husband, David.
For over a century, the congregation of St. Luke’s has followed Jesus Christ through ancient forms of worship and spiritual growth presented in a contemporary style. St. Luke’s celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2024. The original stone building, made of stones from the local mountains, still stands on Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta—though the Anglican congregation has moved to a new building just a few blocks away near downtown Montrose. Retaining its biblically faithful foundation and liturgically rich worship service through the move, this long-standing Los Angeles church also carries on a tradition of warm welcome for newcomers. St. Luke’s is part of the Diocese of Western Anglicans, Anglican Church in North America, and the Global Anglican Communion. We invite you to join us online or in person this Sunday!
