WHY DID JESUS COME (2)?
We continue our study concerning the reasons why Jesus came, as clearly stated in Scripture.
As we study these think on how blessed we are by the plan that the Godhead had from before the beginning of the world. We were in God’s thoughts before we were born, and will be in God’s thoughts and plans throughout eternity.
We know that Jesus came to save us from sin. We know that he willingly, and lovingly, paid the ultimate price to save us from our sins. Hence . . .
JESUS CAME TO RECEIVE WORSHIP. In Matthew 2:1-2 we read that after his birth, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Then, in Matthew 2:11, we find that the wise men, when they found the house in which Jesus was born, . . . And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.”
When Jesus made the “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem, we read, “And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.” (Matthew 21:9). The word “Hosanna” comes from two Hebrew words – “yasha” and “anna” – I beseech thee. It is a plea for salvation and an expression of their adoration. These are definite signs of worship.
In Matthew 14:33 we see that Jesus shocked the disciples by walking on the water. They then said, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” We see Jesus accepted worship after his resurrection when some of the women saw him and fell down at his feet and worshipped him (Matthew 28:8-9; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:10).
Then there is Thomas, who refused to believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, even though the other disciples testified that he did. When Jesus appeared to Thomas, Jesus challenged Thomas by showing him the marks of the nails in his feet and hands, and the wound in His side. Thomas said, “My Lord and My God.” (John 20:28). In no instance did Jesus tell them to stop worshipping Him.
It would be wrong and sinful to worship any mere man. It is right, and proper, to worship God and His Son Jesus in their work of salvation of man.
HE CAME TO BRING JOY. In Luke 2:8-10 we read, “And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Jesus came to bring “GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL PEOPLE.” Jesus is the one who paid the price for sin! He freed us from the power of sin and Satan — should joy not be the response of all of us who have been enslaved?
Further, do we realize that because of Jesus we are freed from the power that sin holds over us? Perhaps we do not avail ourselves of this as we should. No one but Jesus could have done this! Do we rejoice in our salvation? Do we have joy in our hearts? Do we live like we are rejoicing? Sometimes our face tells a different story. Am I failing to consider the enormity of what Jesus did in forgiving me of the sins that separated me from God, my family (physical and spiritual), and my acquaintances? Do I avail myself of his power in staying away from the “sin that so easily besets us?” (Hebrews 12:1-11).
JESUS CAME TO SHOW US TRUE HUMILITY. Paul wrote in Philippians 2:5-8, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Paul emphasized that we need to have the mind of Christ. What does that look like? Though in the form of God, did not consider being equal with God something to hold onto, but he emptied himself. The creator becomes a servant to save us from sin. He was born in the likeness of men. He humbled himself. He was not proud; he did not think of himself as better than other people (Britannica Dictionary). Yet he was. He had no sin. He was innocent of sin. Thus, he was the perfect sacrifice.
Do you and I show true humility? Is it all about me, my wants, and my desires? Do I think I am above anyone else? Do I compare myself with those that I think are beneath me? Can I find someone worse than me in the way they live? Probably. A truly humble person does not brag about themselves, in fact, they see others as being better than them. Jesus believed and acted on the fact that we humans were worth saving, so he humbled himself and died on the cross for us.
Why did he come? To save us! That is enough for me!
Tommy