WHY JESUS CAME

By David J. Riggs

Intro.
   A. On several occasions, Jesus stated various reasons as to why He
      came into the world.
      1. He came to give light, reveal truth, fulfill the law, and so
         forth.
   B. Let's look at some of the somewhat unusual reasons why Jesus
      came.

I. TO KINDLE A FIRE.  Luke 12:49
   A. Jer. 23:29
   B. By the fire of His word, the Lord burns evil out of people's
      hearts, and destroys impurities in their lives.

II. TO CAUSE DIVISION.  Luke 12:51-53; Matt. 10:34
   A. He came to start a warfare against the forces of evil.
      1. He is the Captain leading the forces of righteousness, and
         waging an unceasing fight against sin and error.  

III. TO JUDGE WILLFUL BLINDNESS.  John 9:39-41
   A. If those Pharisees would admit they were blind (were in sin and
      need of repentance), they would have been forgiven.
      1. However, since they were saying, "We see" (were full of
         light and had no sin), their sin remained.
   B. One must be willing to say, "I am a poor, blind sinner and in  
      need of light."
      1. If he says, "I am full of light and have no need of         
         forgiveness, his sin remains.

IV. TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST.  Luke 19:10
   A. We list this one because it seems to be the grand summation of 
      all the purposes of the Lord coming into the world.
   B. His purpose for coming was totally unselfish.  All that He did 
      was for our good and salvation.  Rev. 1:5

V. ONE LAST REASON: THAT WE MIGHT HAVE THE ABUNDANT LIFE.  John 10:10
   A. As the Lord of life, He came to add enrichment and completeness
      to our lives.
   B. Those who follow Him have the abundant life (a full, complete,
      better life here), and in the end, eternal life.  Mark 10:29-30

Concl.
   A. Happy are those who learn of the Lord and do His will.  Jesus
      said, "If you know these things, blessed are you if you do     
      them."  (John 13:17).