Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us this Sunday! In-Person 9:00am & 10:45am, Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

Join us at the next Sunday worship service:
In-Person
9:00am & 10:45am,
Online 9:00am, 10:45am & 5:00pm

If Not This, Then What

“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.” – Matthew 5:17-18

What if? What if Jesus had not come? What would our lives be like? What realities, beauty and grace we presently enjoy would not exist? What would we know?  We need to realize that it is an impossible question because as Colossians 1:16 says: ”for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see—such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.” Without Him, everything comes apart. But we pose the question to help us truly appreciate His coming and all numerous individual blessings we enjoy due to it. 

For example, if Jesus had not come, we would not know God’s complete faithfulness. We would not know the fulfillment of every last promise. If Jesus had not come, we would not know the fullness of God’s love. “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13), and “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8).

If Jesus did not come, we would not know the depths of God’s grace and compassion. According to Hebrews 2:17, “Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people.” God’s love is abundantly displayed in His great grace and compassion for man’s needs. So much did the Lord love the world that, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). In turn, God’s Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, affirms that in His love for man he willingly laid down his life in order that people may believe in and follow him (John 10:11-18). 

Finally, if Jesus did not come, we would not know His atoning death and life-giving resurrection, there would be no salvation for sinners. “For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.” (Romans 5:10).

Discussion Question:

  1. Imagine yourself involved in a conversation with a neighbor or colleague at work about Christmas when this person says, “I wonder what the world would be if Jesus never came?” What would be your response?

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