why did god send jesus

Today we will talk about why did God send Jesus. Many Christians do not fully grasp the significance of this action, and that’s perfectly okay! Understanding it can transform our spiritual lives. For centuries, scholars, theologians, and everyday believers have contemplated and searched deep within the letter of the Bible to uncover the message behind Jesus’ arrival on Earth. Each discovery offers us a clearer glimpse into God’s immense love, merciful intention, and His ultimate plan for humanity. So, let’s settle in and reflect on God’s Word together as we seek clarity on this significant topic.

The Heart of God: A Love Story

First, let’s consider that God’s sending of Jesus arises from His immense love for humanity. The Bible tells us explicitly in John 3:16 (NIV), “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.” Here, the Greek word for “love” is “agape,” which represents an unconditional and selfless type of love. This type of love isn’t based on what we do; rather, it is foundational to who God is.

Historically, the world was spiraling down a path of sin, separated from God. Romans 3:23 (NIV) states “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” God, recognizing the fragile state of humanity, decided to intervene. His sending of Jesus was both a response to human need and an expression of divine love. In Hosea 11:1 (NIV), we see a prophetic glimpse of this: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt, I called my son.” This foreshadowing sets the stage for Jesus’ eventual entry into the world as the ultimate Savior.

To Fulfill Prophecies

An essential part of understanding why God sent Jesus lies in recognizing that it was fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. The Bible is replete with precise predictions about the arrival of the Messiah. In Isaiah 9:6 (NIV), we read, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” There are multiple such verses that predict the coming of a Savior, and Jesus’ life aligns intricately with them.

In Micah 5:2 (NIV), it is prophesied where the Messiah would be born: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.” Jesus fulfilled this prophecy, showcasing God’s plan that had been in motion for centuries. The Hebrew word for “Messiah” (“mashiach”) means “anointed one,” signifying that Jesus was indeed the chosen one to accomplish this major task—saving humans from their sins.

To Serve as a Sacrifice

One of the primary reasons God sent Jesus was to serve as a sacrificial lamb for humankind. In Leviticus 17:11 (NIV), it states, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.” This law initiated a system where animal sacrifices were necessary for atonement of sin, demonstrating the requirement of blood for the redemption of sin.

Jesus’ death on the cross marked the ultimate fulfillment of this sacrificial system. In John 1:29 (NIV), John the Baptist introduces Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” By his crucifixion, Jesus became that perfect sacrifice—one that was blameless and without sin (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV). This monumental act allowed for a new covenant between God and humanity, paving the way for us to enjoy a personal relationship with Him, as detailed in Hebrews 9:26 (NIV): “He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.”

To Teach and Model Righteous Living

Along with being our Savior, Jesus was sent to teach and model the principles of righteous living. His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a cornerstone of that teaching. In this teaching, He emphasizes love, humility, and ethics—calling people to a higher standard. His message frequently turned upside-down human perspectives of success and importance. For example, Matthew 5:3 (NIV) says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” countering societal norms.

Moreover, Jesus embodied love in action. His encounters with the marginalized showed His desire for everyone to feel seen and valued. Matthew 9:36 (NIV) illustrates this beautifully: “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated how we are to live, relating to others with kindness, mercy, and forgiveness—practices that will transform not only individual lives but entire communities.

To Bring Reconciliation

Another significant reason God sent Jesus was to establish reconciliation between Himself and humanity. Sin had created a divide, and that separation required mending. In 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV), Paul explains, “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them.” This mission to restore was at the core of Jesus’ teachings and actions.

Additionally, Ephesians 2:14 (NIV) tells us, “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus came not just for Jews but also for Gentiles, initiating a unifying message which tore down walls of division and hostility. Through Christ, we are invited into a family united by faith, fostering peace and understanding amongst people from all walks of life.

To Exemplify the Kingdom of God

Jesus came to reveal the Kingdom of God, a central theme of His mission. He made it clear that the Kingdom isn’t merely a future hope but is present and available for all who believe in Him. In Luke 17:20-21 (NIV), Jesus states, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” His parables consistently shed light on what this Kingdom looks like, emphasizing values such as love, justice, and mercy.

Moreover, through His signs and miracles, Jesus demonstrated what life in the Kingdom of God looks like—full of healing, reconciliation, and restoration. In Matthew 4:23 (NIV), it mentions, “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” His actions exemplify God’s desire for wholeness in our lives here on Earth, pointing towards the ultimate fulfillment of His Kingdom.

To Provide a Path to Eternal Life

Lastly, let’s consider that God sent Jesus to provide a clear path for eternal life. As we previously mentioned in John 3:16, believing in Jesus ensures eternal life. This promise of eternal life encapsulates God’s intention for humankind. Jesus says in John 10:10 (NIV), “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” This abundant life isn’t restricted to spiritual aspects alone but extends into every area—seeking our wholeness and fulfillment as we walk with Him.

In John 14:6 (NIV), Jesus clarifies his role, stating, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This underpins the core of Christian belief—that through Him, we find not just guidance but a meaningful and eternal relationship with God, a reality that fills our lives with hope and purpose.

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up our thoughts on why God sent Jesus, we see a story intertwined with love, redemption, and purpose. God’s heart yearned for a relationship with us, so He initiated the most incredible plan—sending His son to guide and save us. From fulfilling ancient prophecies to revealing what living in His Kingdom means, Jesus encapsulated God’s transformative message.

We’ve learned how Jesus came to serve as our sacrifice, exemplifying how we should lead our lives, while also paving a way for reconciliation and unity. Each of these aspects is not only the reason for His coming but also the hope we carry into the world.

Let this understanding fill us with gratitude and encourage us as we share our journey with others. God truly loved us, and through Jesus, we have a life filled with meaning, purpose, and the promise of eternal joy with our Creator.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

why did god send jesus