For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.
—Mark 10:45
Scripture:
We’re a month removed from the Christmas season, although you wouldn’t know it from the number of people who still have their decorations up. Christmas is when we celebrate Jesus’ coming. But amidst the traditional readings, carols, and pageants of the season, one question that often gets overlooked is the most basic one of all: Why did Jesus come?
Let’s look quickly at five different reasons. First, Jesus came to proclaim Good News to the spiritually hurting. Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor” (Luke 4:18 NLT). Not only did He proclaim the Good News, He was the Good News. He was the Messiah, the Savior the world had been waiting for.
Second, Jesus came to heal the brokenhearted. Medical technology has made stunning advances in pain management, but there is still no cure for a broken heart. People struggle with all kinds of heartbreaking challenges—physical, relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Jesus understands. He lived as one of us. He experienced pain and betrayal and grief. He knows what we feel. The psalmist wrote of the Lord, “He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds” (Psalm 147:3 NLT).
Third, Jesus came to set people free who are bound by sin. He came to open our spiritual eyes to our spiritual need. One of the greatest tricks the devil ever pulled was convincing people who are slaves to sin that they are free. The apostle Paul wrote, “So Christ has truly set us free” (Galatians 5:1 NLT). Jesus exposed the devil’s lie and shone a spotlight on people’s sin. He then provided a means for their sins to be forgiven forever.
Fourth, Jesus came to lift up those who are crushed by life. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). He came to give us abundant life. Jesus came to show us that there is more to life than this. He came to give us hope.
Fifth, Jesus came to give His life for us. Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT). God is holy and just. He demands punishment for sin. That punishment is death. Only a perfect sacrifice offered in our place could save us from death. Jesus was that perfect sacrifice. He willingly took our punishment for sin. He allowed Himself to be killed so that we might live.
Jesus Christ came to this earth to seek and save those of us who are lost, just as a shepherd seeks a lost sheep. Those who trust in Him will enjoy eternal life with Him.
Reflection Question: Which of these reasons for Jesus’ coming would resonate most powerfully with someone you know? Discuss this with believers like you on Harvest Discipleship!
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