Why did Christ come to the earth?

It is not enough to know who Jesus is. By and large, the world knows what Christians believe about Jesus. But what the world wants to know is this: Why did he come, and what difference does it make?

Many answers have been given to that question. Some argue Jesus came to give us an example of God’s love. Others say he came to be the Perfect Man, the one shining example that can lift the rest of us up. Many people consider him the greatest teacher of all time. Still others believe he came to establish a new religion. Some scholars say he was a reformist rabbi who wanted to start a movement to purify Israel.

Against all the theories of men, we have the clear words of our Lord himself:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (Luke 19:10).

The word “lost” has almost gone out of style in Christian circles. We talk of being estranged from God, of being confused about our purpose in life, about needing a new beginning. All of that is true, but it is hard to improve on the simple Bible word “lost.”

Search the pages of God’s book from cover to cover. Read everything from Adam’s sin in Genesis to the final battle in Revelation. Then pick up the morning newspaper and see if you don’t agree with Jesus.

Men and women are lost without God.

You will never understand who Jesus is until you realize he came to save you from your sins. This is why he lived, this is why he died, and this is why he rose from the dead. He came to seek and to save the lost. And he saves all those who trust in him.

If our greatest need had been education, God would have sent a teacher.
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent a banker.
If our greatest need had been advice, God would have sent a counselor.

But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent a Savior. His name is Jesus. He is Christ the Lord, the Son of God who came from heaven to earth.

God has more grace in his heart than you have sin in your life.
Jesus is a better Savior than you are a sinner.

When you come to Jesus, you will find that he has already come for you.

Mighty Savior, you came to seek and to save the lost. We gladly say, “Welcome to our world.” We need you more than we know. Amen.

Musical bonus: Terrian Bass Woods is a vocalist in TobyMac’s band DiverseCity. Here is the official music video of her hit single God With Us.