Why Jesus Came

Jesus Explains Why He Came to Earth

John 10:10 "...I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Here I am living through another Christmas season, enduring the "You MUST be happy at this time of the year; it is REQUIRED!"  But for those who are not truly and really happy, the "happiness" of Christmas is all so...artificial.

But somehow, knowing about Jesus Christ, His life, and ministry as taught in the Scripture, I feel more natural with quiet and peacefulness at Christmas, in contrast to hurry, buy, and noise.

The Christmas season gives all believers a reason to ponder anew the reason why Jesus came to earth.  He answers this question in John 10:10.

First, Jesus makes it clear that His birth was more than a birth; it was a coming!  Jesus Christ is God in human flesh, the God-man.  Jesus Christ is God the Son, the second person of the blessed Trinity, conceived and transformed into flesh, human flesh, humanity, for the eternal salvation of sinners.

Second, the purpose of this coming is made absolutely clear by Jesus.  "I came that they might have life."  The achievement and giving of life is pointedly described, and the people to whom and for whom He came are concisely identified.  Jesus came as the Good Shepherd (the context of John 10) to bring to His sheep life, eternal life.  Jesus is the door for the sheep (10:7, 9), He lays down His life for His sheep (10:11), He knows His sheep (10:14, 27), He gives to His sheep eternal life (10:28-29).  All of this is gospel data; Jesus came, Jesus did the work of salvation, all for HIS sheep, His people, all believers for all time.

Third, this life is described as "abundant" life; i.e. life that is true life, life that is extraordinary, transcendent, and perfect in every way.  This life is true life, God's life.  This life is the life for which the human heart is yearning.  There is peace, joy, purity, goodness, and all that is desired and necessary for present, eternal, and glorious LIFE.

All of this is given by Jesus to His sheep, all because He came.  So, believers rejoice as they ponder the coming of Jesus Christ.  He came for us.  He came to give us life.