The Apostle John’s vision of heaven in Revelation 4 gives us an awe-inspiring peek into where the Son of God reigns in glory. Thrones, a rainbow of emerald, crowns of gold, blazing lamps, innumerable angels, and peals of thunder describe this beautiful setting. Jesus willingly left it all behind. Why did He set aside His glory and power and assume a human form? We probably would all say “to save us from our sins,” but there is so much more. Here are 5 reasons Jesus came to earth.
Jesus did not cease being God when He took on His human body. His sinless life, however, made Him unique.
His presence on earth showed us everything we need to know about God’s character; helping us learn how to imitate Him. Before His death, He promised to send the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us in His ways.
The Apostle Paul tells us our attitude should be that of Christ Jesus when He came to earth, one of genuine humility:
“Who, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:6-7.
Jesus was born to Mary; a young, poor, unwed woman and her betrothed, Joseph. Born of a virgin birth to signal His humanity and deity, He is “God with us.”
Jesus grew up in the small agricultural “off -the- beaten- path” village of Nazareth. While it sounds unimpressive, Jesus came with a plan; a rescue mission.
The Old Testament brings us these words of the prophet Isaiah, who foretells of Jesus’ mission:
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6.
As we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s explore the main reasons Jesus came to earth.
1- To Fulfill the Law-
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17.
Jesus said He did not come to put an end to the law. God’s word is eternal and valuable; it is meant to be fulfilled! He fulfills the purpose and goal of the law; to carry out His Father’s desires and plans.
By leading a sinless and perfect life, Jesus fulfilled the moral laws (such as the 10 commandments) and the ceremonial laws, whose sacrifices pointed to Jesus.
“Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4
Jesus is “the end of the law” because 1) even if stringently obeyed, the law could not save the Jews. And 2) Jesus’ sacrifice alone offers us the righteousness of God when we believe in Him.
2-To Fulfill God’s Plan of Salvation for All People-
The evidence of God’s love came in the gift of His own Son. Jesus’ death and resurrection would take away the sin of the world; once and for all.
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23
“But you know that He appeared so that he might take away our sins.” 1John 3:5.
And in Jesus’ own words: “For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.” Luke 19:10.
Jesus came to do the will of His Father. “I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.” John 5:30b NKJV.
His sacrifice ensures our eternal life- “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16.
Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins came at a substantial cost. He explains to His disciples why He must die; feeling the very human emotion of dread:
“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour.” John 12:27.
He knew He would have to take the sins of the world on himself, which would separate him from his Father. He set aside his human desires and chose obedience.
3-To Bear Witness to the Truth-
At about 30 years of age, Jesus began preaching the Gospel:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19.
The people believed this prophecy from Isaiah meant deliverance from their oppressors. They didn’t understand Isaiah was speaking of the Messiah, whose deliverance would look much different from their expectations.
Right before the Last Supper, Jesus makes a last plea to those who refused to believe in Him. He brought the liberating light of His truth to the world:
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46.
The darkness of evil will never overcome the Light of the World. His true Light illuminates our path and removes the darkness of sin from our lives.
Standing trial before Pilate, Jesus answers Pilate’s statement that Jesus was a king-
“You are right in saying I am a king. In fact; for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth.” John 18:37. Jesus answers clearly; His kingdom was not of this world.
4-To Destroy Satan’s Works- Jesus’ resurrection conquered the power of death and scored a victory over Satan; ending his authority.
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”1 John 3:8.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death- that is, the devil-and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15.
5-To Give Us an Abundant Life– He came to teach us how to live-
John 10:10b “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
He came with no concern for Himself, but to bring us salvation from the consequences of our sin. We have an abundance of safety and security, forgiveness, love, and guidance in Him.
An abundant life brings freedom- “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36.
By His resurrection He becomes a life-giving spirit –
“And so it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” – I Corinthians 15:45.
Living abundantly is not about what we have. It’s about what God has blessed us with-
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lod Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3.
The Good News of God
Jesus came so we could live in a new way- in a personal relationship with Him that brings daily renewal to our spirit. He wants to lead and guide us, keep us safe and secure in our storms, and bring us His peace and strength every day.
The Christmas season reminds us that our Lord Jesus Christ, in obedience to His Father, humbled Himself to come down to earth so we could come to heaven and live with Him forever.
Ordinary people, like you and me, are made holy and pure by Jesus’ sacrifice. What a gift! We can know Him, enjoy His companionship, come before His throne with confidence, and worship unabashedly knowing He has saved us.
Christmas is so much more than celebrating His birth- we can celebrate all the reasons that brought Him here to us, too.
Christmas blessings!
AnnMarie
“Therefore, God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11 ESV.
All Scripture is taken from the New International Version unless specified otherwise.
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