Why and Why Not

At Christmas we celebrate the appearing of the Son of God—the advent, the coming of Messiah into our world and our lives.  And so, it’s important to study those New Testament passages that speak plainly about why Jesus came—the “I have come” texts.

Like Luke 19:10, Christ came “to seek and save the lost.”  And John 10:10, “that you might have life and have it abundantly.”  And Mark 10:45, he came “to give his life as a ransom for many.” Plus 1 Timothy 1:15, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”  The Son of God “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14) to seek, to rescue, to redeem, to save, to give life!

That is why Jesus came into our world the first Christmas.  And that grand reality should animate our gatherings and conversa­tions, our thinking and praying and celebrating.  Sure, we thank God for horizontal holiday festivities, gifts, music, decorations… But let’s anchor our lives in the worship of Jesus, “God with us.”

We can also help each other honor Christ today by listening to the Bible passages about why Jesus did NOT come into the world:

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).  The self-righteous, the proud—they’re not ready or willing to hear Jesus’ call to repent!

“I did not come to judge the world but to save the world” (John 12:46).  Judgment is left to another day, to a second “advent.”  His first appearing was redemptive to the core.  He came “not to condemn the world,” but to save all who trust in him (John 3:17).

“I have not come to abolish [the Law and the Prophets] but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).  The grand story line from Genesis to Revelation, all God’s promises—Jesus came to bring it all into reality.  So the tiny newborn King was up to something immense, the most magnificent mission of all.  Glory to the Newborn King!