For This Purpose

"I was born for this, and I have come into the world for this: to testify to the truth" (John 18:37, CSB). In his book How God Became King, N.T. Wright uncovers the manger in Bethlehem, the incarnation, and Emmanuel suggesting two purposes for Jesus. An honest reading of the New Testament (and many Old Testament prophecies) reveals the first reason: that Jesus became human, fully God and fully human, as God's redemptive plan as God works to reconcile rebellious humans to Himself. The second reason N.T. Wright identifies for God becoming human becomes clear in John 18.

The Gospel of John chapter 18 records the story of Jesus on trial before Pontius Pilate. John records an interchange in which Pilate attempts to clarify the veracity of the charges against Jesus, inquiring if Jesus claims to be a king. Specifically, Pilate asks if Jesus is King of the Jewish people. It is imaginable that Pilate, possessing all obvious power in the conversation, expected Jesus to deny the charge against him. Instead of cowering before Pilate and the power of his office, Jesus disarms Pilate’s accusation.

Jesus' response to Pilate flips the conversation, forcing Pilate to define his position in the conversation. Pilate, admitting that despite his power as a representative of the Roman government, is functionally a patsy of the Jewish leaders. Jesus flips the power equation, revealing to Pilate the reality of true power, kingdoms, and authority. Jesus declares that He is the King.

"My kingdom is not of this world, Jesus said; if my kingdom were of this world, my servants would fight so that I wouldn't be handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here." (John 18:36, CSB). Jesus testifies that he is a king, King of the kingdom of God. Jesus' kingdom is the true kingdom. Jesus' kingdom is the only kingdom securely under God's sovereign rule and reign.

Jesus' declaration and kingship uniquely link to God's purpose for his life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus' authority as King is vital to the efforts of Christian churches worldwide. Jesus' declaration to Pilate and those with him expresses the reign of God and God's kingdom in our earthly world. Jesus revealing God's kingdom and himself as the true King is the second reason, the purpose, for which Jesus came.

Jesus came to become the savior, and Jesus came to become the true King.

Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Only those who surrender their lives to Jesus are saved. Jesus, in his role as savior, is essential for the church. But, what is the relationship between Jesus in his role as King and the church...his church? Paul is clear throughout his writings in the New Testament that God demonstrated His love and grace by saving people through the death of Jesus. Jesus is the sacrifice for salvation. As King, as messiah, Jesus has authority- all authority! As King, Jesus gathers His church and charges his church to make followers (in thought and action) or disciples of King Jesus throughout the world.

For this purpose, Jesus has redeemed and reconciled humanity to himself. For this purpose, Jesus gathers his church for worship, remembering, teaching, and transformation by the Holy Spirit into the likeness of the King. For this purpose, in the words of N.T. Wright, God has tabernacled in the heart of every believer. For this purpose, Jesus has charged, commissioned, and sent his church to be light and salt. For this purpose, Jesus sent his church under the banner of the arrival of the kingdom of King Jesus. The gospel of Jesus is good news to a dying world.

The gospel is the good news that Jesus is our savior and our King. For this purpose, Jesus came. For this purpose, Jesus died. For this purpose, the church is sent.

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us. We plead on Christ's behalf, "Be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20, CSB).