by Howard Whittlesey
Synopsis: Howard reflects upon the supreme expression of God's love for lost mankind and how it should impact our priorities.
Many of us, reading the title of this article, will recall the old gospel song by this name—and perhaps even sing a bar or two of this beloved hymn. It was/still is a song that reveals to us one of the divine reasons that Jesus took on the fashion of a man to bring His Father's love into reality before the eyes of the world. The song poetically reflects upon things that Jesus did for us, gave us, told us, and showed us. We mutually stirred one another's hearts by way of "putting into remembrance" those poignant gestures issued by our Savior. Yet, we could gain so much more if we tap the Scriptures to acquire a "refresher" course on "why else" our Savior came to earth. Shall we?
Luke 2:49 might be a classic beginning as we recall one reason Jesus came to earth: "I must be about my Father's business." This spake Jesus unto His beloved mother. One could say that this very much sums up the collectivity of purpose that Jesus came to fulfill here on earth. These words He spoke as a twelve-year-old. Boldness becomes one of such an age when mission and purpose are fully realized and pursued. Right?
John 3 is a wondrous chapter for numerous reasons. John the Baptist answered his disciples' inquiry: "Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan to whom thou bearest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him" (v. 26). John replied, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven" (v. 27). Hereby one is given the origin and purpose for Jesus' coming to earth: the Father gave us His Son from heaven.
John 5:20-21 enlarges upon this item, showing us the coordination between the Father and the Son in the serving of Jesus' purpose. Jesus was shown all things that the Father had done. The Son then translated these blessings and gifts unto man. Why? Was it not to show His Father's love and compassion for man—His own creation? Verses 26-27 reveal that the Father gave the Son life as well as the authority to execute judgment. No disparity can be rightly perceived between Father and Son in that which is utilized to fulfill the eternal purpose of Jesus' coming to earth. Verses 36-38 show that the Father and Son harmonize perfectly in the works done by Jesus. The Father bore witness of His Son—even in multiples of prophecy—yet, the people did not hear Him or believe.
John 8:16-18 acknowledges the unity and cooperation of the Father and the Son: "And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
John 10:10-11 and 15 gives the confirmation that life originates, is perpetuated and protected in, and by, Jesus—more reasons why Jesus came to earth. He also reveals His versatility of character portrayal in that He is a Good Shepherd. A good shepherd will give his life to protect/save his sheep. Sound familiar?
John 14:23-24 shows the coherence of the Father and the Son: "If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." Jesus said that the word which ye hear is not mine. This is an ellipsis. Add the words "only" and "also" in order to get the point that Jesus intended (not mine "only," but "also" the Father's). Again—cooperation/coordination.
Certainly, more reasons could be gathered, but we would do well to sum up this collection with something about which few keep in mind. It is the conviction of this author that we are all tools and instruments of our Lord and Savior. Could we suffice it to say that this is why we are here on earth? The great commission was given by Jesus to the apostles so that they would take what Jesus gave them and pass it on to "every creature." However, the apostle Paul gave Timothy the realization that you and I need as well. Paul said, "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (2 Tim. 2:2).
Much publicity is given to the carrying and passing of the Olympic torch every four years. We could take that concept into the spiritual realm and pass on the "gospel torch." The Olympic torch carriers jog to the location at which it is passed. The Christian has far more latitude concerning travel and contact with others to whom to pass it on.
Dad and Mom can pass this torch to their children in such a way as to make them proud to carry it for the Lord unto the "common salvation" (Jude 3). The idea is to do what one must do, which is just as important as saying what one can say. Doing is the essence of biblical believing. So, our kids can be made a part of something that is truly their heavenly Father's business. Start it off with doing the right thing. This puts the recipients of the good deeds into a greater readiness for hearing the right thing. That is when the "gospel torch" gets put into good hands. What if every family was led to see, and respond to, the value and blessedness of this spirit?
You see, this is what Jesus did. He came to heal, empower, strengthen, embolden, and inspire others to carry—and to pass on—His Father's torch. The five things in the last sentence are verbs. They are issued by way of doing with and for others what they should turn and do—namely, passing on the gospel torch. Speaking of Jesus, the apostle Peter said, "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (2 Pet. 1:3-4).
The Author and Finisher of our faith has seen to it that we lack nothing that is needed to accomplish this and more unto the salvation of men's souls. Now, why is it—that my Savior came to earth?
Author Bio: Howard lives in Denver, IN. He served as a choir director in grades 7-12 for thirty-nine years. He and his wife, Colleen, have four children. He can be reached at howcolwhit@aol.com.
