For the Son of Man Came to seek and to save the lost.1
Who is the Son of Man? Originally, the term traces its roots to Hebrew and Aramaic idioms used to denote humanity; e.g., Ben-Adam, which literally means ‘son of Adam’ or ‘son of man.’ In the Gospels, Jesus frequently uses the term to refer to himself, acknowledging his humanity. Jesus is both God and man.2
Who are the lost? The lost are those who have been deceived (perhaps because of ignorance), and unknowingly slowly drift away. How are they then to be saved? Must they first qualify? Yes, they need to know the truth. Someone must speak the truth to them. Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one come to the Father except through me.3
Note, it is Jesus who seeks the lost. Apart from his call we cannot approach God. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.4 As beacons of light we are to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.5 If you receive his words and treasure up his commandments, making their ear attentive to wisdom and inclining their heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise their voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.6 The fear of the LORD and knowledge of God is crucial for it leads to eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.7
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you.8 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at east, without dread of disaster.9
The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.10
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.11
Notes:
1. Luke 19:10
2. John 1:14; Colossians 2:9
3. John 14:6
4. Ephesians 2:8-9
5. Luke 1:17
6. Proverbs 2:1-5
7. John 17:3
8. Proverbs 1:23
9. Proverbs 1:32-33
10. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21
11. Matthew 19:25-26
