Why Jesus came

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17
This verse follows hot on the heels of John 3:16, which we discussed in the previous posting. It expands upon the reason why God loved the world and gave His only Son.
Firstly we are given a possible reason and told that it is not the case. God did not send His Son to condemn the world. Jesus’ coming was not a check up on the world to see how bad it had become so that God would know whether to destroy it or not. Nor did Jesus come to provide a light so bright that we would know that we are forever lost, because there is no possible way we could match Him in order to go to heaven. The reason Jesus came was to save the world – whoever would believe. He does indeed stand apart as a perfect light that cannot be equalled, but He offers us His hand that we might join with Him and be clothed in His righteousness, by faith.
This shows God’s heart for humanity. God does not delight in judging people. He would much rather that they repent and believe in Him, and be saved.
“‘Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked?’ declares the Sovereign Lord. ‘Rather, am I not pleased when they turn from their ways and repent?’” (Ezek. 18:23).
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).