Why Did God Send Jesus? Understanding His Purpose in Our Lives
Why did God Send Jesus?
Have you ever taken the time to stop and truly think about why Jesus came to earth? Understanding Christ’s purpose doesn’t just enrich our biblical knowledge—it transforms how we live out our faith every day.
The Divine Plan: Understanding Why God Sent Jesus to Earth
At the heart of Jesus’ mission was God’s incredible love for you. God’s love is so profound that He sent Jesus to bridge the gap created by sin. God loves humanity unconditionally and initiated the most beautiful redemption story.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Christ died for the ungodly, illustrating the depth of God’s grace and the opportunity for everlasting life. This wasn’t just a theological concept—it was a personal rescue mission. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross wasn’t merely about checking a box in God’s divine plan; it was about creating a pathway back to intimate relationship with Him. Each time we pray, we’re experiencing the fruit of this restored connection that was made possible through Christ.
The Prophetic Foundation: Why Did God Send Jesus According to the Old Testament?
During Bible study, you’ve likely read about prophecies describing the Messiah. Jesus didn’t arrive unexpectedly—His coming was the culmination of God’s faithfulness across generations.
The Old Testament contains approximately 300 prophecies foreseeing Jesus’ first arrival, which shows the importance of understanding these foretold promises. The concept of divine timing is crucial here; why did God wait thousands of years to send Jesus? Understanding the larger picture of God’s plan helps us grasp the importance of these perceived delays.
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17)
When we face uncertainty in our own lives, remembering God’s faithfulness in fulfilling these ancient promises reminds us that He is equally faithful to His promises for our future. Just as He had a perfect plan for sending Jesus at exactly the right time, He has a purpose for each season of your life.
The Reasons Behind God’s Decision
God’s decision to send Jesus to earth was deeply rooted in His boundless love for humanity and His desire to restore the broken relationship between God and man.
The Bible beautifully captures this divine love in John 3:16, where it says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse encapsulates the heart of God’s plan: to provide a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him and to offer the gift of eternal life.
Sin, which entered the world through Adam and Eve’s disobedience, created a chasm between God and humanity (Romans 3:23). This separation was not something God was willing to accept. His love and mercy compelled Him to devise a plan to bridge this gap. By sending Jesus, God demonstrated His incredible love and mercy towards us. Psalm 103:8-12 reminds us of God’s compassionate nature.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.
He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever;
he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.Psalm 103:8-12
Through Jesus Christ, God provided a way for us to receive forgiveness and eternal life. This act of sending His only begotten Son was the ultimate expression of His desire to restore the relationship that was lost due to sin. It was a divine rescue mission, motivated by love and mercy, to bring us back into intimate relationship with Almighty God.
Why God Waited to Send Jesus
The question of why God waited thousands of years to send Jesus is a profound one, often pondered in theological discussions. One key aspect to consider is that God’s timing is not our timing. As 2 Peter 3:8 reminds us, “With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” God’s perspective on time is vastly different from ours, and His plans unfold according to His perfect wisdom.
Another important factor is that God was waiting for the right moment in human history to send Jesus. Acts 17:26-27 suggests that God orchestrates the times and places of human existence so that people might seek Him. The arrival of Jesus came at a time when the world was uniquely positioned for the rapid spread of the Gospel. The Roman Empire’s extensive road networks and common language facilitated the dissemination of Jesus’ teachings far and wide.
Additionally, the Bible teaches that God was waiting for humanity to reach a point of spiritual maturity, where they could understand and receive the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 explains, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” This concept of progressive revelation indicates that God gradually unfolded His plan and purposes over time, preparing humanity to fully grasp the significance of Jesus’ coming.
To Reveal God’s Character and Love
Jesus made the invisible God visible.
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.Colossians 1:15
Through His compassion for the broken, His patience with the doubtful, and His forgiveness toward sinners, Jesus showed us exactly what God is like.
“Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9)
This revelation transforms our daily walk with God. God’s love is demonstrated through Jesus’ actions and the gift of eternal life. When we wonder how God feels about our struggles, we can look to Jesus’ interactions. When we question whether God understands our human experience, we remember that in Christ, God Himself walked in our shoes. This truth brings comfort during our spiritual dry spells and gives us confidence in approaching God with our needs.
To Establish God’s Kingdom in Our Hearts and World
Jesus spoke constantly about the Kingdom of God—not just as a future hope but as a present reality breaking into our world:
“The time has come… The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:15)
As believers, we’re called to live as citizens of this Kingdom now. This shapes everything from our family relationships to our workplace ethics. When we pray “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” we’re inviting God’s perfect rule into our everyday decisions and interactions. Each act of mercy, justice, and love becomes a small but significant extension of God’s Kingdom on earth.
To Conquer the Powers of Evil and Death
Jesus came to decisively defeat the enemy that held humanity captive:
“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8)
His resurrection wasn’t just a historical event—it was the game-changing moment that conquered death itself. This victory gives us courage when facing our own battles. Whether struggling with temptation, wrestling with doubt, or confronting fear, we stand on the foundation of Christ’s ultimate triumph. Nothing in our lives is beyond the reach of His resurrection power.
To Call Us to Transformed Living and Eternal Life
Jesus didn’t come merely to provide forgiveness—He came to invite us into an entirely new way of living:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17)
This call to repentance isn’t about shame but opportunity. It’s Jesus extending His hand and saying, “There’s a better way to live.” Through spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, and community, we gradually become more like Christ. Each choice to follow His example becomes a step toward the people God designed us to be.
Our Response to God’s Gift
Our response to God’s gift of Jesus should be one of profound gratitude and heartfelt obedience. The Bible teaches us to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior, embracing the transformative power of His love and grace. John 1:12 states
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12
This invitation to become part of God’s family is a precious gift that calls for a response of faith and commitment.
Romans 10:9-10 further emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” This act of faith is the beginning of a lifelong journey of following Jesus and living in obedience to His teachings.
As recipients of God’s incredible love and mercy, we are also called to share the Good News of Jesus with others. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 urges us to go and make disciples of all nations, sharing the message of God’s love and salvation. This mission is not just for a select few but for all who have experienced the transformative power of Christ Jesus.
Living a life that honors God involves more than just words; it requires action. Ephesians 4:1-3 encourages us to live a life worthy of our calling, characterized by humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Jesus taught us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40) and to seek to bring glory to God in all that we do (1 Corinthians 10:31). By responding to God’s gift of Jesus in this way, we can experience the fullness of God’s love and mercy and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
How This Changes Everything
Understanding why Jesus came doesn’t just add to our theological knowledge—it revolutionizes our daily Christian walk. Jesus’ purpose becomes our purpose. His love shapes our love. His victory empowers our living.
Today, as you navigate work challenges, family relationships, or personal struggles, remember that Jesus came to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). His coming wasn’t just a historical event—it’s the foundation for everything we believe and practice as followers of Christ.
Reflection Questions:
How does understanding Jesus’ purpose change your approach to prayer today?
Which area of your life needs to experience more of God’s Kingdom presence?
What one situation could you view differently through the lens of Christ’s victory?
How might Jesus’ example reshape a relationship you’re struggling with?
Where do you need to apply God’s truth in your work or family life this week?
What promise from Scripture brings you comfort knowing Jesus fulfilled God’s plan?
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth with such clear purpose and love. Help me not just to understand Your mission intellectually but to experience its transforming power in my everyday life. May Your purposes shape my priorities today. Amen.
