What Did Jesus Do for Us?
Today we will talk about what did Jesus do for us. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The answer to this question leads us through a beautiful journey into understanding the heart of Christ and His role in salvation. Throughout history, followers have grappled with the significance of Jesus’ actions. From His birth to His resurrection, every moment holds value. What was He trying to achieve, and how does it affect us today? With scriptural references illuminating our path, we will uncover the layers of His purpose and sacrifice, and how He fulfills the prophecies spoken long before His time. In the following sections, we will broaden our understanding by examining the meanings in Greek and Hebrew, providing insight into the historical relevance and sharing wisdom from God’s Word. Let us embrace this opportunity to discover the truth and depth of what Jesus has done for us.
1. Jesus Came to Save Us
One of the most foundational beliefs in Christianity is that Jesus came to save humanity from sin and death. The very name “Jesus” stems from the Hebrew name “Yeshua,” meaning “Yahweh saves.” This language captures the essence of His mission. He wasn’t simply a teacher or prophet; He was a divine savior sent to reconcile us with God after the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This single verse sums up Jesus’ purpose beautifully—He came for us when we were lost, offering His life as the ultimate sacrifice.
This act was foretold throughout the Old Testament. In Isaiah 53:5, it says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds, we are healed.” The Jewish people had long awaited their Messiah, someone who would bring salvation. Jesus not only fulfilled this prophecy; He embodied it by taking our shame and sin upon Himself. This act of love is central to understanding what Jesus did for us.
Throughout His ministry, He emphasized the importance of faith and repentance. In Luke 19:10, He shares, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This declaration shows His heart and mission focus—always on the earthly and eternal salvation of those He encountered. Every parable, every healing, and every teaching was aimed at guiding humanity back to a relationship with God, reaffirming that He cares for each individual personally.
Moreover, in John 3:16, we find one of the most recognized verses declaring, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The depth of this message resonates with our very souls; it speaks about the unconditional love that God has for us and His yearning for our eternity with Him. It shows that our salvation isn’t based solely on our actions but on God’s grace through Jesus.
2. Jesus Established a New Covenant
The concept of covenant is significant in both the Old and New Testaments. A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between God and humanity. Before Jesus, the old covenant was based on the law—strict rules that people struggled to follow. However, through Jesus, a new covenant was established that brought grace and truth. This is best illustrated during the Last Supper when Jesus took bread and wine and said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19). He was ushering in a new way for us to relate to God.
The Greek word for “covenant” is “diatheke,” which indicates a will or testament. By His sacrifice, Jesus ensured that we are no longer bound by the law but by grace. Hebrews 9:15 affirms this new covenant, stating, “For this reason, Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” This means that we now have access to God’s promises not through our own abilities but through faith in Christ.
The impact of this new covenant is enormous. It reminds us that our relationship with God is built on His love and mercy rather than our shortcomings. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul tells us, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This newness grants us freedom — freedom from the weight of sin, shame, and the rigorous expectations of the law. Jesus transformed the narrative; we no longer live in fear but in hope.
Jesus’ willingness to sacrifice himself means we can face God without fear of condemnation, as seen in Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This is a reassuring promise, emphasizing that through Jesus, we can approach God with confidence. The grace of the new covenant compels us to live a life transformed by love rather than duty.
3. Jesus’ Resurrection Gives Us Hope
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is arguably the centerpiece of Christian faith. It confirms His divinity and His victory over sin and death. The Greek word “resurrection” is “anastasis,” meaning to rise from the dead or to stand again, which beautifully symbolizes the new life we receive through Him. In 1 Corinthians 15:55, Paul exclaims, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” This scripture shows the transformative power of Jesus’ resurrection and the hope that arises from it.
His resurrection not only affirms that He is who He claimed to be, the Son of God, but it assures us of eternal life. John 11:25-26 declares, “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'” This promise is monumental. Through this resurrection, we have the assurance that physical death does not determine our fate; we can look forward to eternal life with God.
Historically, resurrection was a theme that was challenging for people to grasp, even His own disciples were confused and scared. Yet, after Jesus’ resurrection, these same individuals went on to change the world, boldly preaching the gospel. Acts 1:3 notes that Jesus presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. This revelation transformed their fear into purpose and fervor.
Moreover, Romans 6:4 declares, “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” His resurrection is not merely historical; it symbolizes the new life we can experience now as we walk in relationship with Him. We are empowered to rise above our struggles, knowing we are not bound to our past mistakes or lives but can step into the future that Christ has promised us.
4. Jesus Gave Us the Holy Spirit
Another amazing aspect of what Jesus did for us is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised that He would send a Helper, the Holy Spirit, to guide and empower us (John 14:16-17). The Greek term for Spirit, “pneuma,” indicates a breath or wind, perfectly illustrating the vibrant life and strength He offers us.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is essential for our faith journey. Romans 8:26-27 mentions how the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us according to God’s will. This divine connection enables us to understand God more clearly and grow spiritually. No longer are we alone in our struggles; we have a constant companion encouraging us toward righteousness.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our transformation. Galatians 5:22-23 speaks of the fruits that the Spirit produces in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These traits do not come from our efforts; they emerge as a result of living in sync with the Spirit. Thus, through the work of the Holy Spirit, we become best versions of ourselves, reflecting Christ’s character to the world.
Additionally, the Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for service (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). We are uniquely crafted for meaningful contributions to the body of Christ. Whether it is through teaching, serving, or ministering to others, the Holy Spirit enables us to fulfill our God-given purpose. This further emphasizes that Jesus’ investment in us extends beyond salvation; He empowers us to impact the world around us.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on what Jesus has done for us, we understand the immense depth of His love and sacrifice. From saving us from our sins, establishing a new covenant full of grace, to offering us hope through His resurrection, and empowering us with the Holy Spirit, Jesus has transformed our lives in ways we could never have imagined. Each step He took was for our benefit, resonating with God’s plan for redemption and reconciliation.
It is comforting to remind ourselves that Jesus’ actions were intentional, driven by love and the desire for us to thrive and have a personal relationship with God. We are not just passive recipients of His grace; we are called to live in response to it, reflecting His love to others. This journey is one of continual growth and discovery, as we further engage with His Word and presence in our lives.
Let us carry this truth in our hearts, knowing we have a Savior who deeply cares for us. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we have access to hope, purpose, and joy in every area of our lives. It is an adventure that we embark on together, seeking to share that love with the world around us. Jesus did something incredible for us, and embracing that truth can change everything for our lives.
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