Today we will talk about for what major purpose did Jesus come down from heaven. Many Christians do not know what this means. Understanding the heart of Jesus’ mission is crucial to our faith. Jesus came into the world with a sense of purpose that goes beyond mere existence. His arrival was a divine plan set in motion long before anyone could imagine, and it carries significant meaning for our lives today. We invite you to meditate on the Scriptures as we explore this essential question in our journey of faith.
For what major purpose did jesus come down from heaven
The Purpose of Revelation: Jesus as God’s Manifestation
One of the major reasons for Jesus coming down from heaven is to reveal God’s nature to humanity. In the Old Testament, God was known primarily through the Law, the Prophets, and the sacred rituals of Israel. However, these could only provide a glimpse of who God is. With the appearance of Jesus, we see God in flesh and blood. The Greek word for “reveal” is “apokalyptō,” which means to unveil or to disclose something hidden to us. In John 14:9 (NIV), Jesus states, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” This statement underscores the idea that Jesus came to make God known in a way that was never possible before, bridging the gap between divinity and humanity.
When we examine Jesus’ life and teachings, we understand more about God’s love, grace, and holiness. He exhibited God’s character through His compassion for the downtrodden (Matthew 9:36), His calls for justice (Luke 4:18), and His remarkable patience and mercy toward sinners (John 8:1-11). The New Testament offers a fuller picture of God’s love and intention for humanity than we could have accessed through the Old Testament alone.
Furthermore, Jesus, as the divine logos as described in John 1:1, explains that He was both with God and was God. This idea emphasizes that He is the ultimate revelation of God. The Hebrew word “dabar,” meaning “word,” captures the essence of God’s communication with humanity. Acts 4:12 emphasizes that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. His life and acts of love serve to unveil the heart of the Father, illustrating the purpose behind His coming.
The Purpose of Salvation: Redemption for Humanity
Another significant purpose for Jesus’ coming was to provide a mechanism for salvation. The term “salvation” encompasses several ideas including deliverance, restoration, and wholeness. The Greek word for salvation is “sōtēria,” indicating a state of health, safety, and rescue. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) explains, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Jesus’ mission was to save us from the self-destructive path of sin, thus fulfilling God’s promise made as far back as Genesis 3:15 when God spoke of the seed of the woman that would crush the serpent’s head.
Sin had created a chasm between humanity and God, and Jesus came to bridge that gap. In 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV), we read, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness.” Through His sacrificial death, Jesus accomplished what was necessary for our redemption. Hebrews 9:28 elaborates, stating that Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many. His purpose extends to restoring our broken relationship with the Father, enabling us to experience true fullness and joy in fellowship with Him.
The Old Testament provides a shadow of this salvation through the sacrificial system, where animals were offered as a temporary measure to atone for sin. However, these sacrifices were insufficient for a permanent solution. Jesus, being the Lamb of God (John 1:29), fulfilled these requirements perfectly and permanently, as it states in John 3:16 (NIV), “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.” His purpose encompassed not just physical rescue but also the promise of eternal life, reflecting God’s deep love for us.
The Purpose of Teaching: Discipleship and Following
In addition to revelation and salvation, Jesus came to teach and fulfill the mandate of making disciples. The command to go and make disciples is rooted in Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV): “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This mission further establishes that knowing Jesus isn’t just about intellectual understanding but leading a life devoted to emulating His love and teachings.
Jesus’ parables, sermons, and teachings are an invitation for us to understand the Kingdom of God. He used everyday scenarios to communicate divine truths, making them relatable. For instance, the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates the essence of loving our neighbors, regardless of societal boundaries. The Greek word “mathētēs,” meaning disciple, implies a follower or learner, indicating that we are called to not only listen to His teachings but also apply them in our lives.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus established a pattern of investing in a small group of followers who would later take His message to the world. This underscores the idea that discipleship is relational and transformative. As stated in John 15:8 (NIV), “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” Jesus’ teachings not only instructed us but also empowered us to live vibrant, Christ-centered lives, thus fulfilling the imperative to share the Gospel with those around us.
The Purpose of Restoration: New Life and Transformation
Alongside revelation, salvation, and teaching, another major objective of Jesus coming to earth was to restore humanity. The world we live in has been marred by sin, suffering, and separation from God. The Hebrew concept of “Shalom” speaks not only to peace but to a holistic and complete restoration—in spirit, mind, and body. Jesus’ invitation to come to Him for rest (Matthew 11:28) reflects His desire to restore us to that original state of Shalom.
Through His works, including healing the sick (Mark 1:34) and raising the dead (John 11:43-44), Jesus demonstrated that He possesses authority over physical ailments and death itself. In 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV), Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” When we accept Jesus into our lives, we experience a transformational rebirth — we no longer have to live under the strain of our past. By accepting His grace, we can achieve a life infused with hope, fulfillment, and new beginnings.
The journey of transformation may not happen overnight; it is a continuous process of becoming more like Christ. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) reminds us that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Therefore, as we journey along with the Lord, He works in us, molding us to become instruments of His love and grace in the lives of others. Our restoration is not solely for our sake but for the purpose of involving us in a greater mission for the Kingdom of God.
The Purpose of Relationship: Intimacy with God
A crucial aspect of why Jesus came to earth is to establish a relationship between humanity and God. The Scripture reveals a God who desires communion with us. 1 John 1:3 (NIV) states, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” Jesus came down to ensure we could reconnect intimately with our Creator, something that was hindered by sin.
This intimate relationship is reflected in the concept of “Abba,” a term meaning ‘father’ in Aramaic. It evokes an affectionate closeness that God invites us to enjoy with Him, as mentioned in Galatians 4:6 (NIV): “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’” Jesus’ life was characterized by prayer and communion with the Father, setting an example for us to follow.
Moreover, this relationship transforms the way we live. John 15:5 (NIV) tells us, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Our connection with Christ allows us to share in His strength, wisdom, and purpose, creating a life conducive to spiritual growth and kingdom-building.
The Purpose of Empowerment: The Holy Spirit
Lastly, Jesus came to empower us through the Holy Spirit. Before His departure, Jesus promised in Acts 1:8 (NIV), “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The Holy Spirit acts as our Comforter, Guide, and Teacher, equipping us for the missions we each have in our lives.
In John 16:13, Jesus tells us that the Spirit will guide us into all truth, revealing further insights into God’s will for our lives. This empowerment comes with the responsibility to love and serve others, echoing Jesus’ own life of servanthood. Romans 8:26 reassures us that even when we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. This connection guarantees that we are never alone in our journey.
Empowerment in the Spirit also involves our spiritual gifts. Each believer is endowed with unique characteristics that contribute to the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul affirms that we are all part of one body, working together for the common good. Hence, the Holy Spirit’s empowerment enables us to bring hope and light into a world that often seeks isolation and despair.
Final Thoughts
In pondering the question of why Jesus came down from heaven, we are left with a tapestry of rich meanings woven through Scripture. His purpose encompassed revealing God’s nature, providing salvation, teaching us to live as His disciples, restoring our relationship with God, establishing an intimate connection, and empowering us for our own missions. Each aspect is vital for understanding our journey as Christians.
We find reassurance in knowing that Jesus did not come merely to observe our struggles but to actively engage and transform them. This intersection of divine purpose meets our human need, leading us toward a relationship defined by love, redemption, and hope.
As we go forth, let us carry this understanding in our hearts, sharing the good news of Jesus’ purpose with others. Together, let’s embrace the call to live out these truths in every aspect of our lives, inviting others to discover the richness of a relationship with Christ.
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