Why Did Jesus Come?Sýnishorn

He Came to Give God Glory

We have a dangerous tendency, though it’s often subtle, to view the gospel through a man-centered lens. It’s all about my needs and my wants. While Jesus did come to save us, his ultimate reason for coming was the glory of God. Here’s how Paul put it in Romans 15:7:

"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

Based on this overarching truth, consider five ways the coming of Jesus has an unmistakable Godward focus.

1. Jesus fulfills God’s promises. God’s promises to people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David were fulfilled with Christ’s coming. Ultimately, Christ fulfills all of God’s promises (2 Corinthians 1:20), which in turn brings God glory.

2. Jesus certifies God’s integrity. By fulfilling God’s promises, Christ shows us God’s “truthfulness” (Romans 15:8). Even before God makes or keeps his promises, he is true in and of himself. His truthfulness is put on display in history through the coming of Christ.

3. Jesus demonstrates God’s mercy. Long ago God said he would bless “all the families of the earth” through Abraham (Genesis 12:3). This worldwide blessing is made possible through Jesus, the offspring of Abraham. Now anyone who trusts in Christ is a recipient of the blessing of Abraham by the sheer mercy of God.

4. Jesus unifies God’s people. Although Jews and Gentiles were very different from one another socially, politically, and culturally, Jesus came to unify them. But for what purpose? So that they might “with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 15:6). When people from diverse cultures unite to praise God, this demonstrates God’s excellency.

5. Jesus brings about God’s praise. God purposed to bring his people, Israel, together with all peoples to praise God. This purpose was foretold throughout the Old Testament, and it was fulfilled in Christ. “Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Psalm 117:1).

The God-centeredness of Christ’s coming is actually good news for us. God desires to bring glory to himself by blessing his people. He gets the praise—and we get the grace!