Why Christ Came

At the Advent season, it is important that we rehearse why Christ came. Christmas has become such a secular and commercial event that we need to be reminded of the spiritual reason God sent his Son. After his baptism by John and temptation from the devil, Jesus began his public ministry in Galilee. Luke describes Jesus' early ministry this way: it was in the power of the Holy Spirit, news of his miracles was rapidly spreading and he was teaching in the synagogues (Luke 4:14-15).

Early in Jesus' ministry, he returned to his hometown of Nazareth. On the Sabbath day, he went into the synagogue, "As was his custom." Notice that it was the Lord's habit to attend public worship on the Sabbath. He was given the opportunity to read from the Scriptures. The passage from the Prophets to be read was Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. To us this may indicate that he was finished, but in that day the teachers sat while they taught. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him and he said to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (Luke 4:20-21).

It is more than a coincidence that Jesus read these words of prophecy. The term "anointed one" is definitely Messianic and the description of Messiah's reason for coming clear. The first thing mentioned is the preaching of the Gospel or "good news" to the poor. While God cares about those living in poverty, here the term refers to spiritual poverty (see Matthew 5:3 and Luke 18:9-14). Secondly, Christ came to proclaim freedom for the prisoners--to emancipate those held in bondage (by whatever). Thirdly, Jesus restored sight to the blind (five different cases are recorded in the New Testament). Fourthly, he released the oppressed. Observe the physical and spiritual nature of the Lord's work mentioned in these phrases.

Jesus abruptly stopped in the middle of a verse: "To proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." The sentence concludes with these words, "and the day of the vengeance of our God." Today is a time of grace and opportunity but a time for judgment will come. “Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let every heart prepare him room!”

One Body, Many Members, Different Gifts

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome and Corinth and instructed them on the important matter of spiritual gifts (see Romans 12:4-8; First Corinthians 12). In these passages, Paul made several very important points. First of all, the Church, like our physical bodies, is one body with many members (Rom. 12:4; 1 Cor. 12:12, 14 & 20). The many different parts or members do not exist independently but are part of a larger body. Secondly, in Christ, each member of his body belongs to all the other members or parts (Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor. 12:25-26). Christians not only belong to Christ but they are also connected to all other believers. Thirdly, Christians have been gifted by Christ "according to the grace given us" and "just as he has determined" (Rom. 12:6; 1 Cor. 12:11). Believers do not decide what gift or set of gifts they would desire. The Lord has decided this and it is our responsibility to discover what gifts we have and then develop and use them for the good of the body.

There are three passages where the various spiritual gifts are listed. Look these lists over and attempt to understand which gift or gifts you have been given.

Romans 12:7-8
prophesying - speaking forth a message from God
serving - helping others
teaching - imparting spiritual truth
encouraging - helping others with uplifting comments
giving - contributing to the needs of others
leadership - assuming responsibility to lead
mercy - offering a shoulder for others

First Corinthians 12:8-10
wisdom - knowing what to do
knowledge - essential information
faith - strong belief
gift of healing - aiding the sick & afflicted
miraculous powers - miracle workers
prophecy - (see prophesying)
distinguishing between spirits - discernment
speaking in tongues - languages
interpretation - helping others understand

First Corinthians 12:27-30
apostles - ones sent to represent
prophets - (see prophesying)
teachers - (see teaching)
workers of miracles - (we could use a few!)
gift of healing - (see above)
helps - (see serving)
administration - (see leadership)
different tongues & interpretation (see above)

Do you know which spiritual gift or gifts you possess? If not please speak to a pastor, elder or the deacons. Everyone is needed in ministry! You would get a blessing out of serving as well as in being ministered to.