Why the Why Matters

S - "The next morning Jesus went out to a place where he could be alone, and crowds came looking for him. When they found him, they tried to stop him from leaving. But Jesus said, “People in other towns must hear the good news of God’s kingdom. This is why I was sent.” So he kept on speaking in the synagogues in Judea. According to Luke 4:42-44

O - This exchange between Jesus and the crowds of people looking for him is one of the many times he will state the purpose for his coming to earth. It is simply and directly identified. Jesus is sent by the Father to clarify his person and purposes. He is God's message to the world and he brings the exact representation of God's person and Kingdom. He tells the people "This is why I was sent." As will be stated all through the accounts, something greater than Solomon, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Elijah, Jonah, David, the Sabbath, the Temple and the Twelve is here.

A - Whenever the religious and religions of our world lay their claim to Jesus of Nazareth they all present a reason, the why, of his appearing. Though there are many wonderful dynamics in the coming, living and teaching of Jesus, the priority he gives for being sent is to clarify God's person and purposes. This singular and consistent affirmation is the one reality all religious teaching and practice ignores and resists. This tragic response was true of the religions of the first century and is just as true of those of the twenty-first century. Jesus is not merely a very important part of God's plan; not a necessary actor to embellish the world's information base of God. He is the exact expression sent to the entire world. He says: "When a person believes in me, they do not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When they look at me, they see the one who sent me." What I am accepting as the why of Jesus' coming directly affects my response to God, his Kingdom and my fellow human beings. I accept Jesus' explanation of himself.

P - God of all and God of me,
Thank you for the crystal-clear picture given to all through Jesus. Whenever my picture of you and/or your kingdom is not identical to him, I admit I have the wrong picture and will actively recalibrate my thinking, living and loving … but will need your help. I am confident I will receive such help because of him.

Steve