“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4)

Lately I’ve been thinking about what Jesus’ life was like while on earth. [Full link below.] Life was difficult and dangerous. Consider a few of the details:

He was born under Roman oppression under the tyrannical rule of the murderous King Herod. He fled as a refugee with Mary and Joseph to Egypt. He was raised in a small village, eking out a living with a low to middle-income family as he worked with his hands.

As he began his ministry as an adult, he was mocked, spat upon, hated, flogged (which included skin being ripped from flesh), tortured and nailed to a cross.

Have you ever wondered why? Why on earth did he come to earth?

He endured it all because he loves you.

Think about it for a moment. Why not just stay away from this sick, sinful and broken world? Why not just stay in the heavenly realm far removed from all this difficulty and danger?

He came because of love. And not just love generally, but for his people specifically. By ourselves we are separated from God. We are in a helpless state. The world is lost.

And so he came. A God who gets involved personally is a God who cares passionately.

Are you someone who needs to hear that?

Did you know that you are that important? Did you know that you are that special? Did you know that you are that beloved by God himself?

You are.

He endured it all because he loves you.

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Notes:

—New Podcast and Sermon. “What do we really know about the historical Jesus, and how does that impact our faith?” Click here to listen or watch, or subscribe to ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you tune in.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.