God With Us: Lessons From the Incarnationਨਮੂਨਾ

Messiah and Master

The birth of Jesus Christ wasn’t announced first in palaces or among politicians, but in the quiet darkness of a field to humble shepherds. These everyday workers were stunned by the sudden brilliance of God’s glory and the voice of an angel proclaiming a message meant not just for them—but for everyone. “A Savior has just been born… Messiah and Master.” At that moment, history was split wide open. The long-awaited hope of Israel—and of the world—had arrived.

Matthew tells us that wise men from the East also recognized the significance of this birth. They weren’t part of Israel’s religious system, yet they traveled far, following a divine sign, to pay homage to the newborn King. Their presence at Jesus' cradle confirms the universal scope of his reign. This was no ordinary child. This was the promised Shepherd-King who would lead with justice and compassion.

John the Baptist, years later, sees Jesus and declares with deep clarity, “Here he is, God’s Passover Lamb!” John saw what the angel and the wise men saw: the world’s true Savior. He recognized Jesus as the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and as the very Son of God. In a world filled with competing messages about salvation and identity, the Gospels cut through the noise with a resounding claim: Jesus is Messiah and Master.

I accepted Jesus and was baptized when I was eleven years old. I heard the gospel preached at my Baptist Church. I stood to sing “Just as I Am.” I stepped out from my pew and proceeded to the front of the sanctuary to pray with our pastor. In that moment, I proclaimed Jesus was my Lord and my Savior. I wanted God to forgive me of my sins and take me to heaven when I died. At that time, I didn’t know what “Messiah” meant. Jesus had become my savior, but he wasn’t yet my master.

When I was 15 years old, I had a dramatic encounter with Jesus after a youth group event. I found in the Scripture and felt drawn by the Spirit to commit to follow Jesus, to pledge my allegiance to Jesus, and Jesus alone. In the darkness of my teenage bedroom, I committed my life to Jesus, and he became to me Messiah and Master, my King and my commander.

The birth, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus are not just doctrines to affirm. They are events in history that serve as an invitation to allegiance. If Jesus is truly Messiah and Master, then our lives must reflect his lordship. He is not one spiritual option among many—He is the one who brings salvation, peace, and purpose to all people. As the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus comes to rule and reign over all those who will accept him. Our world is still looking for salvation in all the wrong places. Jesus alone brings lasting peace and purpose.

Proclaim with your life that Jesus is Lord—by loving boldly, forgiving freely, and pointing others to him. With King Jesus ruling and reigning in your heart, offer this brief prayer.

Jesus, you are Messiah and Master. Let my life bear witness to your grace and truth. May others see your light in me. Amen.