Determined to save humanity from a world of spiritual darkness, God began to unfold a special plan. The Old Testament tells how God prepared the world for the coming Messiah. On that special night when He was born, the angels declared the arrival of Jesus, Savior of the world. (Matthew 1:21) Paul reminds Jesus came according to God’s providential timing. (Galatians 4:4-5)
Even before His public ministry started, John confessed that Jesus had come to take away the sins of the world. (John 1:29) From beginning to end, Jesus was intentional about His reason for being here. (Matthew 20:28, Luke 19:10) His life and earthly ministry ended when He was taken to be crucified. However, it is a mistake to think His death disrupted God’s plan. This was God’s plan. God had this in mind before He ever formed the world. (Ephesians 1:4) When He stood before Pilate, Jesus knew the truth of His own identity. He realized death, burial and resurrection was His destiny. He knew the pain, mockery and tears He would endure. He knew all this, and He came anyway.
On Friday, death happened for the Son of Mary. On Saturday, the Son of Man remained buried in the tomb. On Sunday, the Son of God displayed His divinity when He was Resurrected.
When Jesus came to this world, He had a plan.
When the odds were against Him, we rejoice because He came back from the grave anyway! Jesus came to the world for us, died for us and was resurrected for us. Those who are in Christ look forward to their own resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)
Aren’t you glad God had a plan?
– James Farris, Herald of Truth Ministries