A New Way to be Human

Why did Jesus come to this earth?

I often ask this question to people. The answer I often receive is so that he could die for our sins so that we could one day be in heaven with God. If that’s the case, why wait 33 years to do it? He could have used his Jesus-powers to morph down to earth one morning and face the cross later that afternoon.

Yes, Jesus came to die for us, but he also came to teach us a whole new way how to live – a new way to be human.

Look at John 10:10 (NIV). Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The Message translates it this way, “I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of.”

If you need an example of the new way to be human that Jesus initiated, look at Matthew 5. Culture said do not murder. Jesus said do not even get angry. Culture said do not commit adultery. Jesus said do not even look lustfully at another person. Culture said when somebody wrongs you, get them back. Jesus said turn the other cheek, give more than what is required, and go the extra mile. Culture said hate your enemies. Jesus said love your enemies and pray for them.

And that is just the tip of the “New Way To Be Human” iceberg.