When we think of why Jesus Christ came to earth more than 2,000 years ago, we might think of how he taught, healed or preached the good news of salvation. We might even think of how he lived a perfect life of example. All of these are important, but they are not the main reason he came.
The main reason was that of dying on the cross as a sacrifice for the sins of the world – this was his destiny. That’s why in the Scripture, Jesus said things like, “I must go to Jerusalem (to die on the cross),” and “the son of man must be lifted up (again, lifted up on the cross).”
We might look at this sacrifice as a waste or a tragedy, but God the Father looked at it as a necessity. It was good for the whole of mankind. All through history, we have had examples of this kind of sacrifice – for the good of others.
We have many in our short history in America who have given their lives in war so the rest of us can enjoy freedom. There are firemen who have entered burning buildings to save others, police officers who have become heroes for their acts of bravery.
I have been reading a book on early missionaries who were killed as they entered new areas. Yet today, Christianity thrives because of their efforts in these same places.
We all have a destiny and a purpose for being on this earth. For many of us, that destiny will take us to a full life – but for others, it will be for a shorter time. The only way to fulfill that purpose is to be submissive to the will of our heavenly father.
The very first step is to accept Jesus Christ for who he is – the savior of the world – then make that decision to be his follower. Then we need to surrender our gifts, talents and resources to his authority and guidance. God will show you what you need to do and where you need to go.
Jesus fulfilled his destiny, but the big question is will you?