Seven modern man-made wonders of the world include the Golden Gate Bridge, the Panama Canal, the Empire State Building, and the Taj Mahal (India). But there is a much greater wonder, and that is that Jesus came to this dreadful, sinful earth for the benefit of mankind. But why and for what specific purposes did Jesus enter our world to become one of us? Following are seven answers to this question. (This presentation certainly does not represent a totally comprehensive explanation of why Jesus came to earth over 2,000 years ago.)
Please note that throughout this document, “Heb.” indicates a Hebrew word and/or a definition for a Hebrew word. Hebrew is the original language of the Bible’s Old Testament. Likewise, “Gk.” indicates a Greek word and/or a definition for a Greek word. Greek is the original language of the Bible’s New Testament. Also, all Scripture quoted in this study is from the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.
1) Reconciliation/Salvation
When Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, the results included separation from God, guilt, fear, hardship, and conflict. But God gave a promise, spoken to the serpent (representing the devil) as recorded in Genesis 3:15 which proclaimed, “I [the Lord] will put enmity [Heb. “’eybah” = hatred, hostility, animosity] between thee and the woman [Eve], and between thy seed and her seed…;” This promise served as a guarantee that God would provide what was necessary to offer reconciliation and salvation to mankind. Many biblical passages and verses could be placed in this section, but we present just a small sample for your review:
Matthew 1:19-23: “Then Joseph her [Mary’s] husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily [Gk. “lathra” = privately, secretly]. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet [see Isaiah 7:14], saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
—The name Jesus is built on the Old Testament name “Yeshua,” which means Savior, the Lord delivers (Jehovah is salvation).
Luke 19:1-10: “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans [Gk. “architelones” = tax collectors], and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press [Gk. “ochlos” = crowd, multitude], because he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. 9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
—Jesus (a Divine being) represents the only head of one of earth’s religions who came to this planet to “chase after” and try to save those who had or would offend Him.
Psalms 130:6-8: “My [David’s] soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. 8 And he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities.”
—The Lord intends to redeem His people.
2 Corinthians 5:14-21: “For the love of Christ constraineth [Gk. “sunecho” = hold together, figuratively compels] us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit [Gk. “hos” = even as, in that manner], that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
—God works through Jesus to reconcile people to Himself. This reconciliation (redemption) will be accompanied by a changed life that is characterized by living for Christ in harmony with His will.
Ezekiel 36:23-28: “And I [the Lord God] will sanctify my great name, which was profaned [Heb. “halal” = defile, pollute] among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
28 And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.”
—The Lord seeks to draw near to us and give us a new heart and spirit that will enable us to live according to His laws.
Acts 4:8-12: “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought [Gk. “exoutheneo” = to despise, treat with contempt/scorn] of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
—Jesus is the only way or means to salvation, which provides reconciliation with God.
Colossians 1:9-23: “For this cause we [Paul and Timotheus] also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering [Gk. “makrothumia” = patience, endurance, self-control] with joyfulness; 12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet [Gk. “hikanow” = to make sufficient, adequate, qualified] to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before [Gk. “pro” = before, in front of, figuratively “superior”] all things, and by him all things consist. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell; 20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled 22 In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: 23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”
—As Jesus has redeemed and reconciled us, and delivered us from spiritual darkness, so our conduct should be distinguished by good works.
2) Preaching, Teaching, and Healing
Luke 4:16-21: “And he [Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17 And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias [Isaiah]. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written [Isaiah 61:1-2], 18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, 19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20 And he closed the book [Gk. “biblion” = roll], and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.”
—Isaiah predicted that Jesus would preach to and heal those with whom He came in contact.
Matthew 11:2-6: “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.”
—Jesus continually did many good works including healing people and preaching the gospel.
Acts 10:36-38: “The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
—God filled Jesus with the Holy Ghost that prompted and empowered Jesus to do good and free people from demonic oppression.
Matthew 4:23-25: “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic [Gk. “seleniazomai” = moonstruck, epileptic], and those that had the palsy [Gk. “paralutikos” = paralytic, lame]; and he healed them. 25 And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judaea, and from beyond Jordan.”
—Yes, Jesus spent much time teaching, preaching, and healing.
John 10:7-11: “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.”
—Jesus came that we might be saved and have an abundant life here on earth, not just in heaven.
3) Make Known – Glorify His Father
John 14:6-13: “Jesus saith unto him [Thomas], I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works’ sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
—Jesus is a representation of His Father as they are fully united with each other.
John 17:1-8: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: 2 As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. 6 I have manifested [Gk. “phanerow” = make visible, clear, apparent] thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. 7 Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee. 8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.”
—While on earth, Jesus demonstrated and declared what our Heavenly Father is like. Jesus glorified His Father. Note: To glorify means to honor, praise, and recognize someone for who he or she is, that is to proclaim a person’s attributes or qualities.
John 17:24-26: “Father, I [Jesus] will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. 26 And I have declared unto them thy name [Gk. “onoma” = name, and implies character and authority] and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.”
—Jesus declared to people on earth the name of God, which includes His character and authority.
4) Demonstrate a Perfect Life – Free from Sin
Hebrews 4:12-16: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession [Gk. “homologia” = what we profess, for example: as in our confession or reception of Christ as our Savior]. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly [Gk. “meta” + “parrhesia” = with confidence, freely] with confidence] unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
—Jesus, our supreme example, lived a life free from sin. Let us come (pray) to Him to obtain mercy and grace to meet our needs.
Hebrews 7:25-28: “Wherefore he [Jesus] is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; 27 Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. 28 For the law maketh men high priests which have infirmity; but the word of the oath, which was since the law, maketh the Son, who is consecrated for evermore.”
—Jesus, our high priest in heaven, lived a holy life when He was on earth.
John 8:28-29: “Then said Jesus unto them [Pharisees, Jews], When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
—Jesus’ life always conformed to His Father’s will.
John 15:8-11: “Herein is my [Jesus’] Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
—We should seek to follow Jesus’ example of keeping all God-given commandments.
John 13:12-16: “So after he [Jesus] had washed their [Jesus’ disciples’] feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.”
—Indeed, Jesus’ whole self-sacrificing life serves as an example of how we should live.
1 Peter 2:18-24: “Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward [Gk. “skolios” = crooked, bent, perverse, wicked].
19 For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: 24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”
—We are called to live like Jesus lived, even when we experience oppression. He is our supreme model.
5) Clean Up Sabbath Observance from Added Jewish Traditions
John 18:33-37: “Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? 34 Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? 35 Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
—One reason Jesus came to earth was to share with people what actually is truth.
The New Testament provides a number of examples of Jesus demonstrating and explaining what was permissible to do on the Sabbath day:
Luke 6:1-5: “And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he [Jesus] went through the corn [Gk. “sporimos” = sown, grain] fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn [Gk. “stachus” = ear/head of grain, probably wheat or barley in this case], and did eat, rubbing [Gk. “psocho” = rub, grind] them in their hands. 2 And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful [threshing] to do on the sabbath days? 3 And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;
4 How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?
5 And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.”
—The disciples were plucking grain to eat for their immediate need. They were not filling a cart to provide for their hunger for many days. Jesus explained that acts of genuine necessity were permissible on the Sabbath (the seventh or last day of the week).
Luke 6:6-11: “And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he [Jesus] entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it? 10 And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other. 11 And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.”
—Jesus showed that acts of healing, and by extension – certain acts of kindness – are approved for performance on the Sabbath.
Luke 14:1-6: “And it came to pass, as he [Jesus] went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy [Gk. “Hydropikos” = excessive accumulation of fluid in the body, edema, abnormal swelling]. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 4 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go; 5 And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things.”
—Jesus again shows that relieving suffering is a perfectly acceptable act to perform on the Sabbath.
Luke 13:10-17: “And he [Jesus] was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. 11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together [Gk. “Sugkupto” = bent over, humpbacked], and could in no wise lift up herself. 12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. 13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.
15 The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?
16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? 17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed [Gk. “kataischuno” = shame, dishonor, disgrace]: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.”
—Jesus again healed someone on the Sabbath, thus relieving suffering and providing restoration of bodily function on that holy day.
Question, would the Bible provide all these accounts of Jesus stripping away the Jewish leaders’ unnecessary restrictions for Sabbath observance, just a year or two before He would supposedly get rid of the Sabbath (and all law) by dying on the cross? Of course not! Such an approach would be as ridiculous as someone taking an old coat to the cleaners just before throwing the garment into the trash.
6) Combat the Devil
1 John 3:7-9: “Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.”
—Jesus came to earth to actively fight against the work and purpose of the devil.
Hebrews 2:9-15: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. 10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee. 13 And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me. 14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
—Jesus came to destroy the devil’s negative impact on humanity.
Acts 26:14-18: “And when we [Saul and his companions] were all fallen to the earth, I [Saul] heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks [Gk. “kentron” = goad, an instrument with a sharp point that pierces]. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
—Jesus would work through Saul (who became Paul) to free people from the power and darkness of Satan.
Following is a future application of Jesus’ work to combat the devil:
Revelation 20:1-4: “And I [John] saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
—Satan will be bound (put out of commission) during the millennium so he can’t continue to deceive people.
7) Send His (Jesus’) Disciples and Apostles to Fulfill the Great Commission to Build His Kingdom
Mark 3:13-15: “And he [Jesus] goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained [Gk. “poieo” = appoint, cause] twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:”
—The twelve disciples were to work with Jesus to effectively learn how to preach and then go out to proclaim the gospel and heal the sick, etc.
Matthew 10:5-42: “These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 Nor scrip [Gk. “pera” = traveler’s bag to carry provisions] for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat [Gk. “trophe” = nourishment, food]. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute [Gk. “aspazomai” = welcome, greet, salute] it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. 16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought [Gk. “merimnao” = anxious, troubled (in this case: “don’t be anxious or troubled”)] how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.
21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”
—Jesus’ disciples were taught by Him and empowered to preach the kingdom of God, to heal the sick, and to cast out demonic spirits, etc.
Summary: Why did Jesus come to earth?
- To reconcile and bring salvation to lost humanity.
- To teach, preach, and heal.
- To make known and glorify His Father.
- To demonstrate a perfect life, free from sin.
- To clean up the Sabbath from added Jewish traditions.
- To combat the devil.
- To send His apostles and disciples to fulfill the great commission to build His kingdom.
Please feel free to direct comments and questions regarding this study to Andrew Manthe by email at andrew.manthe@att.net.