Why Jesus Came to Earth

 

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:15 (ESV)

¹⁵ The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

Devotion:

What does it mean to be a sinner? How do we know that we are sinners? And what hope do we have as sinners? Paul addresses these questions in his letter to Timothy, his young protégé and fellow worker in the gospel. Paul begins his letter by affirming the core message of Christianity: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. This is a trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance saying, Paul says because it reveals the heart of God's grace and mercy for all of humanity, a universal truth that we all share. We are all sinners, in need of God's grace and salvation.

But Paul does not stop there. He goes on to say that he is the foremost of sinners, the chief of all who have rebelled against God and broken his laws. Why does he say this? Is he exaggerating or being humble? No, Paul is being honest and realistic. He knows his own past, how he persecuted the church and opposed the name of Jesus. He knows his own present and how he struggles with his weaknesses and temptations. He knows his future and how he will face suffering and death for the gospel's sake. He knows that he is not worthy of God's love and forgiveness but also that God has shown him mercy and grace.

Paul's confession of his sinfulness is not a cause for despair, but a reason for praise. He says that God displayed his perfect patience in him, as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. Paul's testimony is not only about his own salvation, but also about God's mission to save others. Paul wants Timothy and all who read his letter to know that God is able to save anyone, no matter how sinful or hopeless they may seem. God's grace has the power to transform the worst of sinners into the best of saints, a testament to his unfathomable love and mercy. There is always hope in God's grace.

What about you? Do you recognize yourself as a sinner in need of God's salvation? Do you trust in Christ Jesus, who came into the world to save sinners? Do you praise God for his mercy and grace in your life? Do you share your testimony with others, as an example of God's patience and love? Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with God, and how you can grow in your faith and share his love with others. If you do, then you can join Paul in saying: "To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:17)

Prayer:

            Lord, we come and humble ourselves before you. We are not worthy of you and your love for us. Thank you for coming to save us while we were still sinners. Thank you to the apostle Paul for responding to your love. May we look to his example for a lesson that we cannot out-sin your love and grace. No matter what we do, you are full of mercy that outruns our sin, failure, and disobedience. May we always be aware of our propensity to sin and seek your strength that we may not sin. Amen.