Many are still curious about Jesus. They have heard different things, and still the question seems to nag, 'Just why did he come, what was the point - and am I somehow involved?' Where ever you are in the far flung nations of the world, in crowded cities or remote villages, on whichever continent you may live - are you yearning, longing wistfully to find the answers about Jesus?
From the Gospels in the New Testament Scriptures we discover Jesus had an extraordinary mission to fulfill For a first answer we see that Jesus came to fulfill Old Testament prophecy. Many find it surprising that God had a particular purpose to unfold in history in which Jesus is central. They also find it surprising that God would use prophets, his spokesmen, to announce and write down, hundreds of years beforehand, the details of Jesus' life, his death and his resurrection. This part of the question also answers 'Who is Jesus?' because that is closely bound up with the goal of his coming.
1. JESUS' COMING WAS FORETOLD
Jesus' birth was unique and 'took place to fulfil what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" ' (Matthew 1:23). Even his birthplace is given, 'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel' (Matthew 2:6).
The first prophecy is from Isaiah, while the second is from Micah. Many other details are also given, but these show that between 6 and 700 years beforehand, Jesus' virgin birth, his being 'God with us' (the meaning of 'Immanuel'), his birthplace and his coming to rule and shepherd God's people were all foretold. Some people protest that this was all rigged and artificial. However, too many specific details come together uniquely in one person - there are simply no other candidates.
2. JESUS' CAME TO DO GOD'S WILL
The second reason for Jesus' coming is a part of the first reason and clarifies that he came to do God's will, as Jesus said 'My food is to do the will of him that sent me and to accomplish his work' (John 4:34). He also confirmed his pre-existence in heaven: 'For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me' (John 6:38). Jesus knew that he was sent into this world to suffer death by crucifixion, when he said, 'I have a baptism to be baptised with and how great is my distress until it is accomplished!' (Luke 12:50). Jesus was going to be plunged into death itself, and several times he shared with his disciples how he would be 'mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day' (Matthew 20:19). What seems like defeat became a great victory!
3. JESUS CAME ON A RESCUE MISSION
The third part of the answer is the unique and powerful meaning of what Jesus fulfilled by his death. There is no mystery here; the great and glorious goal was set before him 'to give his life as a ransom for many' (Mark 10:45). No one else was able to pay the price. His death alone secured the eternal rescue of multitudes of people, and so 'for the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God' (Hebrews 12:2). In spite of the terrible nature of his suffering, taking the penalty due to sinners upon himself, the prophet Isaiah described the victorious outcome when Jesus, who 'was wounded for our transgressions' (Isa 53:5), also 'Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied' (Isa. 53:11). He accomplished his awesome mission - Jesus the Saviour.
As the divine Saviour-Deliverer, the Lord Jesus came in lowly humiliation, entering our humanity, apart from sin, when 'he appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself' (Hebrews 9:26). Jesus did this so that everyone who turns and wholly trusts in him may go free; receive peace with God and the freedom to live for Jesus forever. Jesus' coming is still as up to date as ever! Did he come to save you?
Michael J. S. Austin, Ph.D. - SHARING JESUS FOR TODAY Hello, my big goal is to show that biblical Christianity appeals to careful thinking, and is powerfully relevant today. So, I aim to share the good news of Christ crucified, risen and ascended - a Saviour who is worthy of your full confidence. And I write to help you find faith or to strengthen your faith, so that you may be SURE. I share Evangelical and Reformed convictions and have a Ph.D. from Reformation International Theological Seminary for work on the validity of reason. Use this link to my very latest Amazon Kindle e-book: 'FOR SURE! - Assurance and Evangelicalism' http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AG0WK84 Read and enjoy, and please recommend to others - Thank you! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_J._S._Austin,_Ph.D. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7426678