Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Christmas: Why did Jesus come?

Luke 1v26-27 “In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee… to Mary”

Over the next 3 weeks we are going to look at three questions about Jesus’ coming – Why did he come? How did he come? And why then?

So today is “Why did he come?” and we will look at what the angels said.

The angel who appeared to Mary said, “The LORD God will give him the throne of his father David and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1v32-33. Jesus came to take up the throne and reign forever. We see this confirmed in as the magi bring gifts to “the one who has been born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2). Jesus explained how this would work out in parables like the mustard seed which begins so small but grows into a large garden plant. Jesus’ kingdom would start small during his time on earth, but would grow to fill the earth.

Secondly, the angel who appeared to Joseph said of Mary’s child, “You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1v21. Jesus’ kingdom encompasses people, not territory. And it is the hearts of the people, not their heritage or outward appearance. This is quite clear when Jesus described the evils of the Pharisees in Matthew 23: the Pharisees had good heritage and were in the Holy Land, but were clearly not part of God’s kingdom. And that applies to us all: we are all in God’s world, but not necessarily part of his “kingdom”. The only way to enter the kingdom of God is to have our sins removed. The only way to have sins removed is by receiving the forgiveness that comes through Jesus paying the price of sin on the cross.

And so, why did Jesus come? He came and King to establish his kingdom. He also came as Saviour to make an entrance for you and me into his kingdom. And he will return one day to complete his kingdom with all those who have entered in Jesus’ way.

May you and those you love enter into the kingdom of Jesus this Christmas time.

With love and blessing,

Roland