Why Jesus Came
Pointing people back to the Shepherd who came to save.
The church was never meant to be a place where we keep score. It’s intended to be a place where we continue to look for the people who need to be found.
Jesus said His mission was simple: “The Son of Man has come to save the lost” (Matthew 18:11). That’s His heartbeat. That’s what drove Him to leave heaven, walk among us, and give His life. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He didn’t come to sort the good from the bad or the strong from the weak. He came to seek, to rescue, and to bring people home.
If His mission is to save the lost, then that must be ours too. This isn’t just about evangelism—it’s also about how we treat each other inside the church. “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Sometimes “the lost” is a brother or sister sitting across the aisle who has grown distant. Sometimes it’s the member who quietly slips out the back door and never returns. Sometimes it’s the person who’s been hurt and isn’t sure they can trust anyone again.
When Jesus looks at His people, He sees value. Even when we’re broken, even when we wander. He never writes anyone off. “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not put out” (Matthew 12:20). And when we reflect that same heart, relationships can heal. Walls can come down. Hope can return.
One of the most significant barriers to healing is how we handle problems when they arise. Too often, we talk past each other, hearing only part of what’s said, assuming the rest, and preparing our reply before the other person finishes speaking. Scripture calls us to something better: “My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” (James 1:19). “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18).
Inside the church, this is what life should look like—heartfelt relationships, genuine care, brotherly love, and compassion. “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10). We don’t ignore sin; we deal with it in a way that points people back to the Shepherd who came to save.
If we want to know what kind of church pleases Jesus, it’s this: a church that shares His mission. A church that looks for the lost, listens with grace, and celebrates when they’re found. “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
