Why did Jesus come in the Flesh?

Think about that question for a moment... ok, now try to give me a short answer. I know I am not with you as you give your answer (if you said the answer out loud, in public, people now think you are a weirdo!) but the most common answers probably centered on the fact that Jesus came to die for your sins. Don't feel bad. That is the most common way for most people to think of the purpose for Jesus coming to the earth. We have taught several generations in the Evangelical Church to express the meaning of Christ coming to the earth in this simplistic, formulaic way. But is that the answer that Jesus gave for why he came to the earth? Listen to the way he described his coming.

"'The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because 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.' And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, 'Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.' (Luke 4:18-22)"

It was with these words that Jesus began his public ministry at Nazareth. Jesus was announcing that he, the King of kings, was ushering in the Kingdom of God! Far from the small vision of personal piety that we spend the majority of our days talking about, Jesus was proclaiming the radical beginning of the transformation that could only happen under the reign of the King!! Do not miss my point. Jesus did die for your soul, but his death accomplished much more than the salvation of the elect. The fact is that Jesus' death and resurrection will cause the ultimate reconciliation of all things. The curse of sin is universal. Sin caused death and destruction in every corner of the universe, and Jesus Christ is bringing all things back into right relationship with his Father. So Paul gives his answer to why Jesus came in the flesh when he says,

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:15-20)"

What is my point in this post? Jesus Christ came to change the spiritual destiny of the elect by saving them from the wrath of God, but he also came to reconcile all of creation to the Father by defeating sin and death through his death, burial, and resurrection. This changes the outlook for his followers. We must think in terms of transformation of society not just transformation of individuals. No longer can we sit in the ivory tower of our church buildings while the society around us goes to hell! The Church should be pressing for city, state, nation, and world transformation by the power of the gospel. Our ministries should include both physical and spiritual components. As Christians we need to beg God for a heart that is passionate for total Kingdom transformation in our community, and then we should join with our fellow Christ-followers to bring about genuine change in the lives of the people both physically and spiritually. Let's take some time to think about how we can "preach" (preaching the gospel when done in a biblical way is done by Word and Deed!) the good news to the poor, handicapped, imprisoned, orphaned, and socially disadvantaged in our neighborhoods. Then let's get busy with the Kingdom work that God would have us do. Talk to you soon....CW