Why Did Jesus Come Into the World?
Why did Jesus come into the world?
Why do you think Jesus came into the world? In my poll you will find some possible answers. Why don't you take a moment to see if you can answer the question.
Each of the choices sounds like the right answer, doesn't it? But this is not a trick question - Jesus Himself said that He came into the world for one of these reasons. The answer can be found in John 18:37.
Let's start with John 18:33. The Jews have taken Jesus to be questioned by Pilate. He asks Jesus "Are you the king of the Jews?" Following Jewish tradition, Jesus responds with his own question. "Is that your own idea or did others talk to you about me?" (John 18:34.) "Am I a Jew?" Pilate replied. "It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?" (John 18:35). Bear with me, we are getting close to the answer.
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my Kingdom is from another place." (John 18:36)
"You are a King then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." (John 18:37)
If you answered, to testify to the truth, you are correct. We know the answer to the question but what does this mean? Even Pilate asks, "What is truth?"
What is Truth?
According to dictionary.com the definition for the word testify is: to bear witness to; affirm as fact or truth. But again, what is truth?
Let's go back to dictionary.com: truth is the conformity with fact or reality.
Did you know that in 1828 Noah Webster's dictionary gave this as an example when defining truth: "to rely on the truth of spiritual prophecies." Webster seemed to think that spiritual prophecies were based on truth. How far we as a society have come from defining what truth means!
Today, the many people in the world believe truth to be relative. They feel each person can have their own version of the truth - that there is no ONE truth out there.
Jesus said he came to bear witness and to affirm the truth. What truth was He talking about? In the book of John alone, truth is mentioned 50 times. It seems like it was important to Him and that it should be important to us.
We as Christians are to believe that The Word of God is Truth. And according to the definition of the word truth, we are to view the Bible as fact or reality.
Insanity
Sometimes it's hard for Christians to face the truth. But if it's hard for us, how much harder is it for the world? How can one face the truth or believe in the truth if they can't even define the truth? If we believe the Word to be truth, then how insane is the world? Insanity is, after all, losing touch with reality. Losing touch with the truth.
I believe it's becoming more and more common for people to believe that truth is subjective. If Jesus came into the world to testify to truth, it is up to us Christians who are supposed to be seeking the truth to help the rest of the world understand what truth really is. If that is the case, the video below proves we have a lot of work to do!
What is Truth?
The Truth Project
I, myself, have the fortunate opportunity to take a class through my church called "The Truth Project" put together by Focus on the Family. If you ever get the opportunity, I strongly recommend it. I look forward to writing more hubs on what I learn in the class.
- The Truth Project
Focus on the Family's The Truth Project is a DVD-based small group curriculum designed to communicate the Christian worldview.