“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” – Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV)
Why Jesus came? The answer to that question is perhaps, a little long to fit in a devotional format. But there are certain crucial points that we can make, without losing the essence of the whole answer. And those points will perhaps be beneficial to meditate upon, in this short devotional.
First, He came for His elect. “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood” (Heb 2:14, ESV) These are the elect of God. (Isa 8:18, Eph 1:4, Jn 15:16) The children here, means the elect. He came to gather His children, both from within the chosen race of Abraham (Jews) and from abroad (Gentiles).
Second, He came to die for His elect. “… he himself partook of the same things (flesh and blood), that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death” (Heb 2:14, ESV) Although the Children of God are an elect of God, they being born in flesh and blood are subject of sin. Christ came therefore, in flesh and blood, to lay His life in our stead. Because the wages of sin is death. Piper puts it this way, “The reason Jesus became man was to die. As God, he could not die for sinners. But as man he could. His aim was to die. Therefore, he had to be born human. He was born to die. Good Friday is the reason for Christmas. This is what needs to be said today about the meaning of Christmas.” (pg. 23)
Third, He came to redeem His elect. “and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Heb 12:15, ESV) Only Jesus could die in our stead. Because while being truly human, He was also truly God. (Jn 1:14) And through His crucifixion, He conquered death. And in us, He conquered the fear and slavery of death. “For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1Cor 15:21-22, (ESV) Piper notes, “in dying, Christ de-fanged the devil… by covering all our sins. This means Satan has no legitimate grounds to accuse us before God.” (pg. 24) Therefore, the Apostle Paul confidently says, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Rom 8:33, ESV)
Indeed, Good Friday is the reason for Christmas. How amazing is that. Jesus Christ really is, the beginning and the end. What a remarkable reality, we have been brought into. And how undeserving we are. It is truly, a wonder-inducing miracle. And as we ponder on the reason for His birth this season, I wonder how many of us can truly rejoice with Paul, saying “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (1Cor 15:55) May God have mercy on us.
Further reading: What is the Doctrine of Election? (John MacArthur, GTY)
Note: All of Piper’s quotations are from “Good News of Great Joy“
Read previous entries in this Series:
(i) Introduction: What Christ wants this Christmas (ii) December 1: Prepare the Way (iii) December 2: Mary’s Magnificent God (iv) December 3: The Confidence of Redeeming Hope (v) December 4: A Big God for Little People (vi) December 5: What He Willed to do (vii) December 6: Peace to those with whom He is pleased (viii) December 7: Messiah of all (ix) December 8: Christ is Central in Christmas (x) December 9: Two Kinds of Oppositions (xi) December 10: Our Treasure
Semper Reformanda 