It’s Christmas season again, when we reflect on Jesus’ first coming and anticipate his second. It might seem cliché for anyone vaguely familiar with Jesus to ask why he came. Obviously, he came to die in our place so we could be with him when we die, right? As critically true and important as that is, is that all? Why did Jesus say he came?
A Reforming Prophet
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
John 9:39
One of a few reasons Jesus came was to confront the injustices and abuses of his day. For victims of societal abuse, he showed compassion. But for those perpetuating injustice, he followed in the footsteps of the prophets of old and warned of their impending doom if they didn’t turn back to God. Some heeded his call, but the majority of the leadership did not. As a result, the Romans destroyed the Temple only a few decades later.
We might view Jesus as kind and gentle, but there’s a reason he was sometimes mistaken for the fiery prophet Elijah (Luke 9:18-19). Jesus’ main sermon powerfully proclaimed: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 4:17). Jesus came to call us out of our sin to live holy lives as light in a dark world.
A Reconciling Priest
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
A second reason Jesus came is more familiar: as the perfect sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. As our priestly mediator, he showed the world who God is and enabled people to approach God through him (John 14:6). In mercy, he died the sinless death we deserved, and in grace, we inherit his perfect righteousness.
As freeing as Jesus’ gift for us is, let us not forget the heavy price he paid. While we now can confidently approach God through his Son (Hebrews 4:16), balance that with the awe-inspiring fear of the Lord which imparts wisdom and love. We are saved by works: Jesus’ works, not ours.
A Wise King
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
John 18:37b
More than words of warning and acts of atonement, Jesus also came as a king with the wisdom and authority of God (Matthew 7:28-29). Kings of Israel could only rule wisely by first submitting to God’s reign as revealed in the truth of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Jesus demonstrated this perfectly and taught others to obey God as well. In fact, he even raised the bar higher, focusing not only on external obedience of actions but on inner allegiance of the heart.
Unfortunately, some Christians see Jesus’ “fulfilling” of the Law (Matthew 5:17-20) as if he checked God’s rules off a to-do list, perfectly submitting to God so that we don’t have to, replacing the Old Testament with abstract ethical principles like the golden rule. In one sense that is true: his sinless life does cover our sin. But, Jesus came to uphold and interpret Scripture the way God always intended it. As the Word incarnate (John 1:14), he filled it full of authoritative wisdom that points to him as king, not as a license to live free from God’s rule (Romans 6:15). Until the new heavens and earth of Revelation 21, we can rejoice that every verse of Scripture continues to declare God’s authoritative, life-giving wisdom (2 Timothy 3:16).
Appointed Ones of the Anointed One
Jesus the Messiah (“anointed one“) came to earth to fill full the three anointed offices of prophet, priest, and king. As he left, he promised to be with his followers and called us to carry forth his mission to the world (Matthew 28:19-20), not just with converts but disciples. Proclaim to the world to repent from evil! Draw people back into right relationship with God and others! Disciple one another to obey our King’s wise authority!
After all, Jesus didn’t come only for a future reward when he returns. Turning from sin, reconciling with God, and trusting his reign allows us to live the best life God wants for us now. For all who trust in Jesus, eternal life in God’s kingdom has already begun:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10b