(The following is the March 28 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Luke 19 and pay close attention to verses 9-10.)
Why did Jesus come to Earth? At the time of his earthly ministry, many expected a Messiah to be a political savior for the Jewish nation, but that isn’t why Jesus came. Today, some unbelievers claim Jesus may have been a good teacher and humanitarian, but no more. Others reject biblical eyewitness accounts and abundant historical evidence and argue that Jesus never existed.
However, Christ stated his purpose: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (v. 10). That is why he came, and that is why we need him. Humans, by nature, are lost and estranged from our Creator God, and we need our relationship with him restored. Faith in Christ is the only way to be reconciled with God.
Jesus lived a sinless, perfect life. He suffered a criminal’s cruel death by crucifixion, was raised on the third day, appeared to hundreds over the next forty days, and ascended before witnesses to Heaven, where he now reigns for eternity. Christ will come again to usher in his final eternal kingdom.
While on Earth, Jesus taught hearers who he was and how people must respond. After his ascension, God inspired the New Testament writers to explain and apply his life, death, and resurrection as the church grew from infancy to the current worldwide body of believers carrying on Christ’s mission.
Jesus accomplished his purpose in coming to Earth. He has given his followers the Great Commission to continue this work. Humans do not save anyone, of course; only God does that. Still, he uses our faithful gospel witness in receptive hearts to produce the fruit of repentance and faith in others.
Jesus came to seek and save the lost. So should we.
Next Step:
How are you involved in seeking and saving the lost? Do you pray for unsaved family and friends? How often do you have gospel conversations with non-Christians? Pray for opportunities to have such discussions and the strength to walk through those open doors.
