Why Did God Send Jesus
Today we will talk about Why Did God Send Jesus. Many Christians do not know what this means. It’s important to understand that Jesus is central to our faith and the answer to so many of life’s deepest questions. As we reflect on this, let’s meditate on the richness of God’s Word and what it tells us about this cherished figure, who came for our salvation. With the Scriptures as our guide, we can see the beautiful and fulfilling plan that God had in sending His Son into the world.
The Purpose of Jesus’ Coming
Understanding why God sent Jesus is fundamentally connected to God’s plan for humanity. The Old Testament lays a foundation of need: humanity fell into sin (Genesis 3:6-19), separating us from God (Isaiah 59:2). Thousands of years later, God in His grace fulfilled His promise to restore us through Christ. The name “Jesus” itself means “Yahweh saves,” highlighting that His arrival was divinely orchestrated for salvation (Matthew 1:21). The Apostle John beautifully summarizes this truth in John 3:16-17, stating, “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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
Throughout Scripture, we see consistent affirmations of this mission. In Luke 19:10, Jesus says it plainly: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” His purpose wasn’t merely to teach or offer wisdom but was focused on reconciliation—bringing humanity back into a relationship with our Creator. The Greek verb “sozo” often translated as “to save,” underscores a holistic salvation encompassing our spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). This multi-dimensional approach reflects God’s love for us as whole beings.
Moreover, the book of Hebrews 2:14-15 tells us that through His death, Jesus would “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.” Without Jesus, humanity is bound by fear and despair, caught in a cycle of sin and separation from God. His mission was, therefore, not just individual but cosmic, aiming to defeat evil and restore harmony to creation (Colossians 1:20).
To Fulfill Prophecy
Another essential reason for Jesus’ coming is to fulfill Old Testament prophecies. These scriptures provided a roadmap for recognizing the Messiah and were integral to understanding who Jesus was and why he came. For example, Isaiah 7:14 foretold that a virgin would conceive and bear a Son—this was directly fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23. Jesus’ life and works were not random; they resonated with prophetic words that had been etched into the hearts of God’s people for generations.
Furthermore, Jesus’ death and resurrection were foreshadowed extensively throughout the Old Testament. In Isaiah 53, the suffering servant would “bear our griefs and carry our sorrows,” emphasizing a Messiah who wouldn’t simply be victorious in worldly terms but would experience profound suffering for our sake. When Jesus quoted these scriptures in Luke 24:44, He affirmed their significance, stating, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.”
These fulfilled prophecies lend credibility to Jesus’ identity as the promised Savior. The concept of prophecy in both Hebrew (“nevuah”) and Greek (“prophecia”) emphasizes the truth that predictions about future events can validate the message of hope inherent in the Gospel. Moreover, they serve to illustrate the faithfulness of God, who keeps His promises. For example, Zechariah 9:9 foretells the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem—a moment fulfilled with precision in story (Matthew 21:4-5)—and it brings excitement and hope as those events were anticipated by many.
The Demonstration of God’s Love
While the purpose of Jesus includes salvation and fulfillment of prophecy, it foremost showcases God’s love for us. Romans 5:8 reassures us that “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This loving sacrifice reveals an intimate concern and compassion from God towards His creation. It wasn’t merely a transactional act; it was deeply relational, imbuing our faith with profound significance.
In 1 John 4:9-10, we further see this love articulated, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” Knowing that we don’t earn or deserve this love helps us grasp the radical notion that God’s grace is foundational in our relationship with Him.
The concept of love in the New Testament propels us into action; it is not just about receiving but exuding love towards others (1 John 4:11). The sacrificial love of Christ set the example for us to follow. When we recognize how deeply we are loved, we can then pour this love into our communities, serving as conduits of hope in a world that desperately needs it. This beautiful cycle of love reflects not just our relationship with Christ but empowers us to mirror His heart in every aspect of our lives.
To Teach Us
Another reason for why God sent Jesus is to be our teacher and role model in righteousness. From His sermons, stories, and daily interactions, Jesus embodied wisdom and understanding. He revealed what it means to truly live in accordance with God’s will, demonstrating mercy, grace, and truth (John 1:14). The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) encapsulates His teachings about living righteously and highlights our call to love our enemies, be humble, and seek justice.
Jesus often spoke in parables, making profound truths accessible. The Greek word “parabole” means a comparison, allowing listeners to relate spiritual lessons to everyday life. His teaching style invited His followers to ponder, understand and internalize His messages, sometimes challenging the status quo (Matthew 13:34-35). The simple truths illustrated through stories not only imparted knowledge but also made His lessons personally applicable, which gives His teachings an everlasting impact.
Moreover, His life exemplified what it means to walk in faithfulness to God. Philippians 2:5-8 encourages us to have the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself, taking the position of a servant. This humility is incredibly transformative; it causes us to rethink our approach in dealing with others, recognizing the value and dignity of every person. Jesus’ transformative life is an invitation to us all; we are not merely hearers but can actively put His teachings into practice (James 1:22).
To Establish a New Covenant
Jesus also came to establish a new covenant, which fundamentally changed how humanity relates to God. Jeremiah 31:31-34 prophesies a new covenant where God would write His laws on people’s hearts, signifying an intimate relationship built on internal obedience rather than external pressure. With Jesus’ words during the Last Supper in Luke 22:20—“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you”—He inaugurated this new way of relating to God.
The significance of this covenant is monumental; it assures us that we can access God’s grace, regardless of our past. Hebrews 9:15 succinctly states, “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” This underscores how through Jesus, we’ve been given a fresh start that is rooted in faith rather than adherence to the law alone (Galatians 3:24-25). Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the law, so we are no longer trapped under its burdens but have freedom in grace.
The new covenant symbolizes God’s enduring commitment to His people. The Hebrew understanding of covenant (“berith”) is not merely about agreements but is deeply relational, founded on faithfulness and love. In this way, our standing before God is not about performance but about trust in the redemptive work of Christ (Romans 10:9). The invitation is open for all, reminding us of God’s desire for a relationship marked by grace, love, and closeness.
To Serve as Our Great High Priest
Jesus also came to serve as our great high priest, the ultimate mediator between God and humanity (Hebrews 4:14-15). In the Old Testament, high priests offered sacrifices for the sins of the people, but they could never truly make people whole (Hebrews 10:1). Jesus, as the perfect Lamb of God, was the perfect sacrifice—His blood covers all sins (1 Peter 1:18-19). In Him, we find complete forgiveness and renewal.
This ministry of intercession is vital. Romans 8:34 conveys that “Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” This means that even now, Jesus advocates for us! The assurance of His presence as High Priest brings comfort and hope—knowing He understands our struggles and empathizes with our weaknesses. His intercession, powerful and effective, keeps us connected to God’s grace even as we navigate our daily challenges.
In addition, Jesus’ role includes teaching us about God’s holiness and expectations. The book of Hebrews emphasizes this, showing how Christ fulfills the law and reveals God’s love and justice simultaneously (Hebrews 10:19-22). He encourages us to approach the throne of grace with confidence, so we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in times of need. This openness establishes our ability to communicate and grow in relationship with God.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the reasons for God sending Jesus are numerous and vital to our understanding of the Christian faith. We see that Jesus came to fulfill God’s promises, teach us love and righteousness, establish a new covenant, and serve as our mediator before God. Each of these aspects reflects a loving Creator who desires a close relationship with us, offering hope and salvation through His Son.
As we cling to these truths, it’s essential that we internalize them—allowing them to transform us into conduits of His love and grace. Engaging with Jesus’ teachings inspires us to live distinctly while reaching out to others, sharing the hope we’ve found. Ultimately, in recognizing these truths, we can respond to God’s immense love by embracing our place in His story, being part of His redemptive work in the world.
Let us remember that the heart of our faith is rooted in the understanding that God sent Jesus not only for our personal salvation but for the transformation of all creation. As we reflect on these truths, may we ask the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, so we may reflect Jesus in everything we do.
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