Why did Jesus have to come this way?
Why did Christ have to come this way, such a hard way? Born in a way, that to all the world He appeared to be illegitimate. Only Mary, Joseph and Elizabeth knew the true story and glory of his birth. Born in poverty, not in a palace but a stable. Mary and Joseph had to flee to Egypt to prevent Herod killing Jesus. He apparently lost his father while he was still young. His ministry and His rejection by those who should have received Him gladly and with rejoicing, but they refused. His horrendous death on the cross, a death reserved for criminals and slaves, where He bore all our sin and died all of our deaths.
Hebrews 2:17–18 (NASB95) Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.
Why? To be like us, to be a faithful and merciful high priest on our behalf.
The shame you may feel for past events; Jesus understands that. Jesus’ shame came from people not understanding how He came and God not explaining it to everybody. It would have been easier if that voice from heaven, “this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased”, had followed him around and introduced him to every town. That would have made things easier, right?
Instead Jesus had a life that was weighed down by shame and rejection.Why this hard way? For you and me.
Isaiah 53:3–6 (NASB95) He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; And like one from whom men hide their face He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4 Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried; Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken, Smitten of God, and afflicted. 5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. 6 All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.
He bore your sin and your shame. It’s not yours any longer. Let it go. Instead, rejoice in who Jesus is, what He gave up for us, what He accomplished for us, what that means to us and who we are now because of it.
And if you are not hearing it, listen closely, God the Father is declaring over you, “This is my beloved son/daughter in whom I am well pleased.
I love you, Pastor Randy