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“...I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43

 

Question…Why did Jesus come to earth? The Gospel of Luke offers numerous answers.

#1 Jesus came to be crowned by God as King of Israel.

Mary did you know that your Son, “...will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:32–33)

But, this king came to more than rule…

#2 Jesus came to be a Savior King.

Don’t be afraid, shepherds! Don’t be scared, “...for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)

Well, actually, to be more specific…

#3 Jesus came to be a Savior who will bring Good News for both Israel and all peoples (Gentiles). 

Simeon on Jesus:

“My eyes have seen God’s salvation in this baby Jesus. He will be, “a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32).

And, not only will Jesus save…

#4 Jesus came to both save and destroy.

John the Baptist on Jesus:

“Don’t play games with this Jesus. He’s coming with, “His winnowing fork…in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”  (Luke 3:17).

But, Jesus is using a unique weapon for a king.

#5 Jesus came as a messenger of the good news of God’s Kingdom.

Jesus on Jesus:

“I’m fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy this very day. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news...” (Luke 4:18) “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God…for I was sent for this purpose.” (Luke 4:43) Jesus is a messenger; He will catch people with his message.

But, hold on. Jesus has a more specific people in mind. 

#6 Jesus came to bring a message of good news to the poor, the captive, and the oppressed.

Jesus on Jesus:

“…he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19).

But, there's more to Jesus' mission. 

#7 Jesus came for sinners.

Jesus on Jesus:

“I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” (Luke 5:32)

Who is Jesus' Mission?

When you take all these statements into consideration, a pattern seems to be emerging. Luke begins by compiling grand, universal truths about Jesus. And, by chapter 5, we see that mission has been greatly defined.

Jesus came for sinners, those who don't seem worthy. Jesus came for sinners, those who are not worthy. Jesus came for anyone who qualifies as a sinner.

So, the only question to ask to see if you are part of Jesus' mission is this: "Am I a sinner?"

You must answer this question to know if Jesus will have anything to do with you, and if you can have anything to do with Jesus.