At Christmas time we focus most on the details of Jesus Christ’s birth: the prophecies, star, virgin mother, impoverished setting, jubilant angels, and frightened shepherds. These indeed are intriguing and worthy of celebration. But let’s look deeper beyond the details of how Jesus came and inquire why Jesus came.
Jesus’ contemporaries largely hoped and anticipated that he would be their liberator from the oppression of harsh Roman rule. They expected Jesus and his followers would win political power and rule by decree. Similar sentiments exist even into today. But look carefully into the public statements of Jesus, recorded by the four independent authors of the Gospels, and the purpose of coming described by Jesus himself appears markedly different:
Rather than rule by way of might, Jesus advocated humble service to one another. Mark 10:42-45 declares, “Whosoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” What an extraordinary contrast to the hierarchical and dictatorial structures that characterize most human societies. Jesus advocates a polar opposite definition of power (leading by example) and greatness (humility in service to one another). Many INMED grads continue to prioritize this modality of service towards humanity.
Jesus closes this short discourse with another profound statement: “For even the Son of Man (his title) did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” What compelled Christ to come and give his life was not simply to model a lifestyle, but also to redeem the sin of humankind. For deep dive into this greater purpose, read Jesus’ explanation documented in John chapter 3.