The Message And The Messenger

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8.

It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a struggling businessman with dreams of greater things but stuck in a situation that will test his patience, his inner strength, and his family’s love. He discovers that without him being born, so many things would have been different. The point is, we have no idea how significantly our lives affect others. But if George Bailey influenced a whole community of people, think of how the world would be different if Jesus had never been born. 

First, we would miss the greatest messenger ever. Jesus was in a league of His own. He was not just another prophet. Or a moral man. He was more than a great speaker and motivator. There are no titles, or tags, or accolades that will do Him justice. Jesus is, as the Father himself said, “…You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (Mark 1:11) And as God’s Son, “…radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God.” (Hebrews 1:3). So Jesus surpasses every other messenger God has sent, or ever could send.

Secondly, we would miss the greatest message. The greatest messenger brought the greatest life-changing message that has ever, or will ever be communicated. Jesus’s ministry was not disconnected from, or contrary to what God had spoken through his earlier prophets. They were, after all, speaking God’s words. But Jesus is himself the very Word of God incarnate: “So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14). His message exceeded the prophets, because it is the fulfillment of everything they had previously promised. 

If Christ had not come—turn off the bells, stop the music, close the church. The world we live in would be vastly different place. But, fortunately as the Bible reminds us in Luke 2:10-11, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

Discussion Questions:

1. What would be different if Jesus the messenger never came to earth?
2. What would be different if the message of Jesus was never communicated throughout the world.