As we begin, I want us to read the Christmas story found in Luke 2:1-7; 2:8-20. While it is exciting to read the story of how God took on a human body and came into this world, it is far more important that we understand why He came to the earth.

Transition

(Read John 3:17) John 3:17 tells us three very important reasons why Jesus came to earth.

The 1st Reason Jesus Came to Earth was …

Because God Sent Him

  1. Sending Jesus was part of God’s eternal plan
    1. It is difficult for us to comprehend God. He is the only being who has always existed. He is the Creator of all things. The Prophet Isaiah quotes God as saying, I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. (Isaiah 45:12). The Apostle Paul confirms this in Colossians 1:16, For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
    2. Before creation, God promised to give man eternal life. (Titus 1:2) In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
    3. God planned that eternal life would come through Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:9) Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
  2. Sending Jesus was a humble act of love
    1. The Bible tells us that God is not like humans. We are mortals with body, soul, and spirit. We are one person in one being. God is a spirit and He is three persons in one being. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three persons yet only one God.
    2. In order to help us, God sent Jesus to this earth to take on human flesh. (Hebrews 2:9) But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
    3. Jesus left the riches of heaven to live among the poor of this world. (2 Corinthians 8:9) For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
    4. God send Jesus to become the God/Man because of His great love for us. (Read John 3:16). God knows that we are all sinners and He send Jesus to die to pay the penalty for our sins. So Jesus came because God sent Him.
      The 2nd Reason Jesus Came to Earth was …

Not that He Might Condemn the World

This negative statement points out two important facts about judgment.

  1. Jesus was not born in Bethlehem to be our Judge
    1. It is true that we will answer to Jesus one day. He will be our Judge. (Romans 14:12) So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 2:16) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
    2. However, Jesus was not born in Bethlehem to be our Judge. That time is yet future.
  2. The human race is already condemned.
    1. Jesus did not come to condemn us. We are already condemned by our sin. (Read John 3:18-19). Solomon, the wisest human to ever live said, (Ecclesiastes 7:20) For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. The Apostle Paul seconded this when he wrote in (Romans 3:23) For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
    2. I have often pointed out that the first step to solving a problem is admitting our guilt. For many of us, admitting guilt is the most difficult thing we are called to do. If you are not convinced that you are a guilty sinner in the eyes of our holy God, take this little quiz.
      1. Have you ever told a lie? God said, (Exodus 20:16) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
      2. Have you ever taken something that was not yours? God said, (Exodus 20:15) Thou shalt not steal.
      3. Have you ever wanted something that belonged to someone else? God said, (Exodus 20:17) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
      4. Have you ever thought a lustful thought? Jesus said, (Matthew 5:28) But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
      5. If you have lied, stolen, coveted, or lusted, you are guilty of sin. God is holy and cannot overlook any sin, whether it is large or small.
    3. Thus, a main reason for Jesus coming to earth was because every human is a sinner, destined to perish in hell, and needing His help. Whether you are a little sinner or a big sinner, the Bible clearly says that the wages of sin is eternal death separated from God in hell. Thankfully, that is not the end of the verse.
      The 3rd Reason Jesus Came to Earth was …

That the World Through Him Might be Saved

  1. Jesus came to earth to pay for our sins.
    1. We can be saved through Him! As a song writer put it, “Jesus was born to die upon Calvary”.
    2. An angel told Joseph (Mary’s future husband) these comforting words, (Matthew 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
    3. Note how the Apostle Paul described this fact. (1 Timothy 1:15) This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
    4. The Apostle Peter wrote, (1 Peter 3:18) For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened [made alive] by the Spirit:
    5. Jesus died for my sin, and your sin, and the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
  2. Jesus came that the world might be saved.
    1. Did you notice the word “might” near the end of the verse? That word is very important. Jesus paid sin’s entire debt, but His payment is not applied to every sinner automatically. He offers it as a gift to sinners.
    2. Those who neglect or reject Jesus’ payment for their sin will pay for their own sin in hell.
    3. To receive Jesus’ gift by believing on Jesus (v.16). To “believe on Jesus” begins with seeing yourself as guilty and condemned before God, desiring change, and then trusting Him alone to save you from hell. Yes, each sinner must admit his guilt, fearfully realize that he is justly heading to hell, desire God to change his sinful life, and then place his faith in Jesus’ payment for his sins.
    4. God promises all true believers the gift of everlasting life and no condemnation.

Conclusion

The Christmas story of Jesus being born in a manger in Bethlehem and being visited by shepherds is an exciting story, but knowing why Jesus came to earth is even more exciting!

If you have already repented of your sin and believed on Jesus to save you from sin’s penalty and He has changed your life, take time this Christmas to thank Him for His priceless gift of forgiveness and eternal life.

If you have not yet received God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life, it can be yours today if you will truly repent (change your mind about your sinful life, your guilt, your deserved judgment, and the way to be saved) and believe on Jesus alone to save you.

Song: Jesus Loves Even Me – 492
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Why Jesus Came to Earth
20 December 2015 AM – John 3:17 – Christmas – Scott Childs