Today we will talk about why Jesus was sent to Earth. Many Christians do not fully understand the significance of His coming. Understanding this theme is vital for our faith. Jesus’ mission encompasses numerous layers of meaning, reflecting His role as the Savior, Teacher, and Redeemer of humanity. We will explore the depths of His purpose through scriptures, emphasizing the transformative power of His love and sacrifice. Be in a mode of meditation as we read through God’s Word.
Why Was Jesus Sent to Earth
The Incarnation: God with Us
The first and foremost reason Jesus came to Earth was to fulfill God’s divine plan of redemption. The term ‘incarnation’ refers to God becoming flesh to relate to humanity. The Greek word for incarnation is “sarks,” meaning flesh. Jesus, fully God and fully man, walked among us to reveal the character of God (John 1:14). The angel foretold this sacred moment when he said, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel,” which means, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus coming to Earth was a divine initiative, bridging the gap between Heaven and humanity (John 3:16).
In this light, the name ‘Jesus’ means “Yahweh is salvation,” highlighting His purpose that is intricately linked to saving humanity. In Luke 19:10, we read, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Here, we see a clear directive of His mission: to restore the relationship between God and man severed by sin (Romans 5:10).
Jesus’ coming is also a fulfillment of prophetic scriptures; many prophecies in the Old Testament foreshadowed His arrival. Isaiah 9:6 encapsulates this beautifully, stating, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” His introduction to the world was purposeful, aimed at ushering in a new covenant where love transcends the Law (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
To Teach and Model Righteousness
Another essential aspect of Jesus’ mission was to teach righteousness and model a life of holiness. Throughout His ministry, Jesus preached the Good News of the Kingdom of God (Mark 1:14-15), explaining what life in His kingdom entails. Matthew 5-7, known as the Sermon on the Mount, is full of wisdom, teaching His followers about love, mercy, and righteousness.
He emphasized the importance of loving God and our neighbors. In Matthew 22:37-39, He replied to the question of which commandment is the greatest: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” His teaching not only challenged the norms of the time but also set a new standard for living.
The Greek word for ‘righteousness’ is “dikaiosynē,” which refers to living in a way that reflects God’s character. By embodying this, Jesus demonstrated how to interact with the world; He offered radical love, compassion, and humility even towards those society deemed unworthy (Luke 7:37-50). His interactions with sinners and outcasts reveal His inclusive nature, breaking societal barriers and showing that salvation is available to all (John 4:7-26).
Jesus didn’t just preach about righteousness; He modeled it through His actions. He served the needy, healed the sick, and cared for the marginalized. He summarized His mission beautifully in John 10:10, saying, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” His life serves as the perfect exemplification of God’s heart towards humanity.
To Provide Salvation through His Atonement
Jesus’ ultimate purpose for coming was to provide salvation through His atoning sacrifice. The concept of atonement involves reconciling us to God by addressing our sinfulness through His death on the cross. Throughout Scripture, sacrifice plays a vital role in God’s design for redemption (Hebrews 9:22). No longer was the sacrifice of animals necessary; instead, Jesus, the Lamb of God, took our place (John 1:29).
The crucifixion did not occur by accident; it was preordained in God’s master plan to save humanity (Acts 2:23). In Isaiah 53:5, we learn, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” His suffering was not in vain; it opened the door to eternal life for all who believe (Romans 6:23).
In Matthew 26:28, as He instituted the Last Supper, Jesus elaborates on His purpose: “For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” His blood was to seal a New Covenant, a promise that our sins would be forgiven, and our relationship with God restored (Luke 22:20).
Moreover, through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, presenting Himself as the victorious Savior (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). This victory enables us to live fearlessly, knowing that through Him, we too can rise (Romans 8:11). Our freedom is wrapped in the reality of His sacrifice, ensuring that we can boldly approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
To Fulfill God’s Promises and Prophecies
A significant reason Jesus was sent to Earth was to fulfill the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament. God had promised a Messiah who would save His people, and Jesus represents the fulfillment of those long-standing expectations (Matthew 5:17). Many of the prophecies detailing His life, including His birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), His crucifixion (Psalm 22), and His resurrection (Psalm 16:10) came to fruition through Jesus.
In Luke 24:44, after His resurrection, He told His disciples, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” The continuity between Old and New Testament proves that God’s plan has always been to redeem humanity, and Jesus fulfilled every promise (2 Corinthians 1:20).
The Hebrew word for ‘fulfill’ is “male,” which means to fill up or complete. With Jesus’ arrival, God’s promises to Israel and the world not only filled but overflowed. His coming was not merely a continuation of historical events; it was the climax of salvation history (Romans 1:1-4).
As believers, we can take heart in knowing that God is faithful to His promises. Just as He sent Jesus under the fullness of time (Galatians 4:4), He continues to enact His purposes in our lives today. Keeping in mind scripture like 1 Peter 1:10-12, we are reminded that the prophets “inquired carefully” about the salvation we now possess, and it was all pointing to the one who was to come: Jesus.
To Reveal the Father’s Heart
Through His actions and teachings, Jesus was sent to reveal the heart of the Father to us. Jesus made it abundantly clear that knowing Him is synonymous with knowing God. In John 14:9, He declared, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” This assertion invites us to understand the character and nature of God through the lens of Jesus’ life.
The nature of God, as depicted by Jesus, is one of love, grace, mercy, and compassion. In Matthew 11:28-30, He invites those burdened to come to Him, promising rest for their souls, thereby showing the kind of God we serve: one who desires relationship and connection (1 John 4:8).
Moreover, by performing miracles, Jesus demonstrated God’s power and compassion while serving as a foreshadowing of the coming kingdom (Matthew 9:35-36). Examples such as calming the storm (Mark 4:39) and feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) reveal that God is still in control and desires to meet our every need.
Furthermore, in John 10:11, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, symbolizing His deep love and protection for humanity (Psalm 23). He goes out of His way to connect with us, demonstrating that we are never alone, and that God’s heart is always inclined toward reconciliation and love.
By revealing the Father’s heart, Jesus invites us into a deeper relationship with God. We no longer see God as distant or unreachable; through Jesus, we grasp that He is accessible and cares intimately about our lives (Romans 8:38-39).
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on why Jesus was sent to Earth, it becomes clear that His mission was multifaceted. He came to be with us, teaching us about God’s righteousness and providing a way for us to be saved through His sacrifice. Jesus fulfilled thousands of years of prophecies, revealing the heart of the Father through His actions.
Each aspect of His coming holds profound significance for our lives today. From His teachings to His sacrificial love, Jesus’ mission continues to shape and influence who we are as believers. As we work to understand and internalize these truths, we can better share His message of hope and salvation with the world around us.
As we conclude this exploration into why Jesus was sent to Earth, let’s remember that His life and works serve as a model for how we are called to live. May we love, serve, and seek to reflect His character daily in our lives. With Jesus at the center of our lives, we have everything we need for a fulfilling relationship with God.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4