The 7 Whys of EasterSample

Why Did Jesus Have to be Born?

Let’s begin by exploring the question of Jesus’ birth. If I ask you why Jesus came to earth, you’d probably answer, “To die for our sins.” And you’d be right (John 3:16–17), but the God who created the universe and could enter it as a man could have come in any way he wanted. He could have come as a twenty-five-year-old King! So why did Jesus become a baby?

First, Jesus’ incarnation fulfills prophecy. Micah predicted seven centuries before his birth: “You, Bethlehem Ephrathah . . . from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2).

Scripture also predicted he would be born of a virgin: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Immanuel means “God with us.”

Jesus’ earthly life also shows his solidarity with us. He was hungry in the wilderness, tired at the Samaritan well, and thirsty on the cross. He wept at the grave of Lazarus. He felt everything we feel.

In that solidarity, Jesus was also tempted in every way we are: “We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

After testifying to Jesus’ defeat of all temptation, the author of Hebrews invites us: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).

The incarnation proves Jesus understands us. We now have proof that he knows what it is to grieve, hunger, thirst, and grow weary. We have proof he knows what it is to be tempted and tested.

As a result, we know where to turn when we are grieving, hungry, thirsty, tired, tempted and tested. We know whom to trust.

Spend time in prayer thanking the One who came to suffer as we do here. Next time, take your hurt to God and cry out for help. Remember, he can sympathize. He also wept, he also mourned, and he will listen to us.

Are there any hurts you haven’t talked to God about? If so, take time to share them as you would with a friend. Be honest with the Lord today as you pray, knowing that he will trade your hurts for his grace.