Why did Jesus come? We saw yesterday that he came to help the poor and needy. This is the Jesus everyone seems to accept and to like, Christian or not.
Jesus came also for righteousness. He came in obedience to the Father (John 8:42), and he came to preach (Mark 1:38). In numerous New Testament locations it says that Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, meaning quite literally that God is to be followed as King, and how his full kingship will be manifest some day. He said (Matthew 5:17-20),
Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
His mercy and love toward the needy are expressions of righteousness according to the character of God. He did not come to do nice things. He came to restore a kingdom of righteousness.
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May He make us all righteous.
May God bless you all and make His presence and love known to you today.