Sixth Sunday of Easter: Gospel, John 16:23-33                                  

John 16:23-33

Just this afternoon while teaching a Bible class at a nearby retirement facility, I asked the question, “Why do we call Jesus the Savior?” It was quiet. I’ve learned to expect quiet following questions, whether it’s at the retirement facility or with young people. Our culture has trained people to fear answering a question in public. “I might get it wrong.” There’s nothing more harrowing in our culture than a wrong answer. I could write pages on that issue. It’s really under my skin these days. Finally, one of the ladies quietly said, “Because He saves us.” That answer, while seemingly obvious, is a grand answer. And it’s worth more than all the quiz shows ever concocted could offer as prize money.

Jesus is the Savior because He saves us. Most notably from the penalty due our heinous and nearly constant sinning. But in our gospel reading Jesus highlights a salvation from the turmoil the world dishes out to us day after day after day. And that turmoil steals from God’s people, whenever it can, the peace of God. That marvelous peace that St. Paul calls, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Phil. 4:7, NKJV).

Jesus died to grant the mercy and grace of the Father to His wayward children. He also died to secure the peace that only He can give. Read, dear friend, the promise Jesus makes to us in our chaotic, peace-stealing, turmoil-laden world: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). He overcomes. He rescues. He makes things right. He saves.

As dear old Dr. John Mitchell used to exult in class, “My … what a Savior!”