Why Jesus Came That First Christmas

At the heart of Christmas lies a profound question that transforms how we understand our faith: Why did Jesus come? Through the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, we discover that Jesus came to seek and save the lost—not just as a general mission statement, but as a deeply personal pursuit of each one of us. The image of Jesus stopping under a sycamore tree to dine with the most hated man in Jericho reveals something revolutionary about God's character: He is a seeking God who pursues us even when we're lost and wandering. This message challenges us to examine whether we share this same passion for the lost in our own lives. The three parables Jesus taught—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son—all emphasize the same truth: God leaves the ninety-nine to find the one. Heaven celebrates when just one person comes to faith. As we reflect on Jesus giving His life as a ransom for many and coming to fulfill the law, we're reminded that we cannot improve upon what Christ accomplished on the cross. His death satisfied divine justice and opened God's arms wide to anyone who would turn from their old life and embrace Him. The abundant life Jesus promises isn't found in making Him third or fourth place in our priorities, but in giving Him preeminence. When we truly understand that we're sinners in need of a Savior and respond with repentance, we discover that Christianity changes how we see everything—ourselves, the world, and God Himself.